Diesel Hybrids on the Fast Track
#1
03-21-2005, 07:01 PM
Diesel Hybrids on the Fast Track
Hybrid gas-electric vehicles are the current champions of fuel economy, but they may soon get lapped. Auto manufacturers are making tracks to produce diesel hybrids that will go even further on a gallon of fuel. Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid employ an electric motor that assists the engine and enables the vehicles to go between 15 and 50 percent further on a tank than a comparable gasoline vehicle. But a new generation of hybrid diesel prototypes being developed by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Ford could soon surpass these milestones.
Vehicles with diesel engines typically get 25 to 30 percent more miles to the gallon than their gasoline counterparts, according to Charlie Freese, executive engineering director at GM Powertrain. Freese said the many factors that make diesel engines more efficient include operating unthrottled and more efficient oxidizing of fuel. Diesel engines also have a higher compression ratio, and the heavier diesel fuel has a higher energy density, according to Freese.
Vehicles with diesel engines typically get 25 to 30 percent more miles to the gallon than their gasoline counterparts, according to Charlie Freese, executive engineering director at GM Powertrain. Freese said the many factors that make diesel engines more efficient include operating unthrottled and more efficient oxidizing of fuel. Diesel engines also have a higher compression ratio, and the heavier diesel fuel has a higher energy density, according to Freese.
#2
03-22-2005, 07:31 AM
Vapor-ware.
I sure hope nobody is putting off buying a gas hybrid based on these pre-pre-pre marketing dribbles. Especially from the likes of Ford and GM, who have a long history of big promises followed by equally large lame excuses.
I sure hope nobody is putting off buying a gas hybrid based on these pre-pre-pre marketing dribbles. Especially from the likes of Ford and GM, who have a long history of big promises followed by equally large lame excuses.
#3
03-22-2005, 08:57 AM
Keep in mind GM is still one of only two companies that ever sold true electric vehicles in the United States, and they're constantly showcasing their fuel cell developments. GM is a huge company with a lot of quality engineers, and a terrible management strategy. I don't doubt they'll be the first to market with a diesel hybrid.
#4
03-22-2005, 11:01 AM
I keep in mind that GM took a billions federal grant hand-out, and when it dried up, killed their EV program. I keep in mind that GM is taking another billions federal hand-out for fuel-cell car development. Time will tell where that leads, but I'm not holding my breath, or investing in GM.
#5
03-22-2005, 11:32 AM
Investing in GM
Originally Posted by EricGo
I keep in mind that GM took a billions federal grant hand-out, and when it dried up, killed their EV program. I keep in mind that GM is taking another billions federal hand-out for fuel-cell car development. Time will tell where that leads, but I'm not holding my breath, or investing in GM.
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