First of all let us get down to the corruption of all of this hoax created by Al Gore which is nothing but a scheme to put the public in fear. This will stop all of the money going out to create bogus programs. Next, let is realize that hybrid automobiles mpg results have been overinflated by the corrupt EPA. Since they have been caught, now they are doing real world tests. Now, let us look at what Europe is doing with automobiles. CLEAN DIESEL. These clean diesels consume far less fuel than gasoline motors of the same size. They are getting quieter, no longer smoke, and are as fast as gasoline cars in some cases. Mrs. Speaker, I challenge you to drive one of these cars and you will be surprised. However, I think the public should decide on whether Global Warming is true or not. I do not want you and a hand full of others control our lives when we vote you in there to work for us.
I'm not going to comment about hydrogen fuel cells, except to say that I think they'll be out of reach (unless and until they solve the platinum problem) but I've owned both a 2003 honda civic hybrid and a 2006 peugeot diesel (1.6 Litre HDi -- not sold in the USA). The diesel got 60 mpg. The hybrid started out at 55 and dropped to 46, even with careful driving. For hilly areas, hybrids are good on the downhill, annoying on the uphill. Diesels on the other hand, are very zippy. Until recently I thought that diesel was go, and that the only problem was that US wasn't mandating for the use of ultra low-sulphur the way that Europe is (see the wikipedia article below) But then I found the Union of Concerned Scientists report, which contains the following information Diesel vehicles can help a car travel 30 to more than 40 percent farther on a gallon of diesel fuel. However, this advantage is only partly due to the higher efficiency of diesel engines, which offer a 15 to 25 percent improvement over gasoline. The remaining increase is due to the fact that diesel fuel contains 13 percent more energy than a gallon of gasoline. so, unless we mandate that ALL new cars be super efficient (whether hybrid-gasoline, hybrid-diesel, plug-in electric, or veggie oil) , the cost factors are going to be very high. I think that, if the priority for ALL new car manufacturers was efficiency, then the economy of scale rule would mean that the retooling costs would be lower, and we could afford to have more highly processed fuel, or different types of engines. Lots to think about!
First off, let me applaud you on your view of Al Gore too.glad to see I am not the only one who believes he is making a mountain out of a mole hill. Secondly your MPG is not quite accurate. The reason why the mpg rating by the EPA is overinflated is that the test they previously were using was out dated. The test was putting a car in a controlled environment at a constant 55 mph.does that accurately portray actual driving conditions? I dont think soso yes it was outdated and has been modified to give more accurate ratings .and the EPA is not corruptdon't let a few people's misguidings stereotype the agency as a whole (i am an employee and not corrupt). Clean diesel has that stigma and stereotype among americans.regardless if it gives better gas mileagemy theory is that until something EXTREMELY drastic happens, we americans will still be in love with gasoline and will take a nation/worldwide catastrophy before we look beyond gasoline.IMHO
I agree. This has just recently become an option as ULSD was just mandated in Nov 2006, and newer diesels manufactured recently must have stricter emissions standards and must have particulate traps on the exhaust. High NOx levels are still of some concern because of the excess heat and pressures created by the high compression in diesel engines. Also it's easier to use biofuels. You don't need a flex anything! I have 4 diesels, and I use biodiesel in all of them for 3 reasons: 1 - Reduces dependence on foreign oil 2 - Makes a diesel run better due to superior lubrication 3 - Whether global warming is true or not, I'm at least doing my part with out even doing anything different. Good call pro-diesel. Hopefully others will see the light.
Diesel cars are not in favor by the American public that is why. If Americans will not buy them and Automakers cannot sell them, Automakers cannot afford to make them domestically. Remember the diesels of the 1970s. dirty, loud, noisy and costly maintenance. Yes they have improved, in Europe, but the American public has a long memory. That plus diesel fuel is not available everywhere. you cannot pull into EVERY gas station to get it. It is too bad too. I do understand that the new generation of diesels is just as you say it is. clean, efficient, quieter, and peppy. Someday they will come to the US. US automakers will take the technology that they have in Europe and sell it here. US automakers have not shelved the idea. they just do not think that most American carbuyers like the idea. Would you like to take a $1-2 BILLION gamble on the idea? Remember Chrysler. it is being sold for $8 billion. I saw an estimate recently that said GM was only worth $18 billion. Therefore, a mistake could cost 10% or more of the value of an auto company and put it closer to bankruptcy.
