Chrysler wants to pave the road to greener transportation with clean diesel—but its misuse of the word of “clean” and “renewable” throws up a road block.
via PR Newsire
November 13, 2007
Diesel-powered vehicles are gaining in popularity as carmakers continue to make advances in clean diesel technology. Diesels are predicted to compete with hybrids as the preferred fuel efficient and clean car alternative. But just as American consumers begin to cast aside diesel’s dirty stigma, medical researchers from the United Kingdom and Sweden have found serious adverse health risks attributed to diesel exhaust.
Die-hard hybrid fans would like to see the technology used in all its many varieties. But we should be careful about slapping the word “hybrid” and a hyphen in too many places. All hybridizations don’t pass the three-part test of feasibility, appeal and cost. Consider the Citroën C-Métisse diesel-hybrid concept.
Diesel vehicles now account for nearly half of all new vehicle sales in Europe. In some European countries (such as France), diesel vehicles account for as much as 70 percent of new car sales. Are diesel vehicles a viable alternative to hybrids?
Fewer than 500 filling stations in the US offer commercial biodiesel. But unlike any other fuel for modern engines, biodiesel can be made at home without investing heavily in special equipment or earning a PhD in chemistry.
While a diesel hybrid-electric passenger car or light truck would certainly improve fuel economy, its emissions would be abysmal. Then again, it may get up to 80 mpg.
Many market forecasters are putting their bets on diesel. Will diesel win out over hybrids?
