Diesel Electric Hybrid Vehicles Are Better - 12/26/06

Diesel electric hybrid vehicle technology is here and ready.  Diesel engines get 25 to 30 percent more miles per gallon than gasoline engines.  Diesel engines have a higher compression ratio and diesel fuel has a higher energy density. 

Diesel electric hybrid vehicles have been used in locomotives for years due to their high efficiency and reliability.  Diesel electric buses have been used in New York, Washington and Seattle for years reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiently over conventional diesel buses. 

In 1993 Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler along with seven federal agencies formed the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV).  Which produced prototype diesel electric hybrid sedan cars able to give 70 to 80 mpg.  The automakers chose not to produce the vehicles because the higher sulfur diesel fuel available at the time did not meet strict air pollution rules.  This is all has changed with new lower sulfur requirements rolling out in 2006. 

Studies have shown Diesel electric hybrids when compared to gasoline electric hybrids provide lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, more durability and are more reliably.

Diesel electric hybrid capable of running on Biodiesel will add to it appeal of a diesel hybrid.  LINK to Biodiesel page

In 2005 GM unveiled the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid.  GM claims this concept car will get 59 mpg.  The vehicle uses two electric motors co-developed with DaimlerChrysler.  GM and DaimlerChrysler plan to offer diesel electric hybrids in 2008. 

Ford unveiled its Reflex diesel electric hybrid concept car in Jan 2006 offering 65 mpg.  The Reflex’s diesel engine provides power to the front wheels while the electric motor provides power to the rear wheels.  When a hybrid vehicle is power by diesel engine and the electric motor together is considered a parallel hybrid vehicle.

Adding the lower sulfur diesel to the diesel electric hybrid technology should provide great returns to automakers choosing to produce these vehicles. 

Learn More:  
Heavy Diesel Electric Hybrids
Diesel Electric Delivery Trucks
Relfex Diesel Hybrid

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