http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0...-21822,00.html

 

The engine answers the questions of the diesels advocates very nicely. The only thing missing is a turbo-charged or rotary hybrid. But the one quote that I liked was:

"It also has an all-electric mode, eliminating emissions and noise, for urban driving at up to 50km/h." It would be nicer if this were quantified with a distance but it is the right direction.

The one thing that bothers me is "23 kw" motor or 30 hp. This is way too small.
Bob Wilson

 

well considiering how efficent a diesel engine is (remember its no petrol, it has very different characteristics) I think the motor is mostly used in stop and go traffic as well limititing the cost of the hybrid system itself (probably smaller batteries too).

But its still pricey!

 

I guess the next step in creating the "perfect" eco-car would be a diesel-hybrid in which the "diesel" aspect used vegetable oil and the "hybrid" aspect used lithium polymer.

Of course, it would help a *lot* if Americans would get a little more realistic about how much horsepower they need. The 400 HP behemoths have got to go!

 

Two words, Le Car! No thanks.kevin

 

Yeah, but that convertible is no LeCar.

I'm waiting for the day I can fill up a hybrid with biodiesel.

 

We've got a biodiesel pickup owner at work. They basicly have a grease trap in the bed but this to fuel both of their biodiesel vehicles. For now, they have nearly zero fuel costs. They start on regular diesel but switch to grease until they are ready to park.

Bob Wilson

 

That's not biodiesel in the true sense. It's a "biofuel", but SVO/WVO is not considered biodiesel.