Monday, July 25, 2005
More on Cars
Autoblog has just done a podcast about some of the stuff we've been talking about here lately.
A couple issues that I'm really glad they address:
A couple issues that I'm really glad they address:
- Hybrids might not be as 'green' as you think - I've been skeptical of this stuff for a long time
- more on the 'moves' by NA makers, and what the plans are, esp w/r to Ford and the Freestyle
- Diesels - There is this stupid stigma about Diesel engines here in NA, but I've been waiting on a Diesel revolution for a long time
- They are cheaper to build and maintain, and last longer (even though they produce 'dirtier' exhaust. Think about how much energy it takes (and how much pollution is generated) when you BUILD and engine, before it ever even burns any fuel. If we only needed to build half as many engines, we're talking about a LOT less pollution )
- They are a VASTLY simpler design, and can be adapted to run on fuels made from stuff other than petroleum - like natural oils, such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Also pretty cool.
- They are VERY fuel efficient. With the right setup (a car size that matches the horsepower of the engine)(and maybe a turbo for good measure) these things are crazy fuel efficient. BETTER than hybrids. (most hybrids are rated at 70mpg but only achieve this under a very strictly defined set of 'ideal' conditions, and are more commonly getting about 40mpg, which a turbo-charged, direct injection diesel (like the kind in a TDI VW Jetta) can get around 45mpg ALL THE TIME, are easier and cheaper (and more 'green') to build, and have a recyclable core when it's wrecked (no giant toxic battery to dispose of) - plus I think some of the smaller European Diesels can do better than that due to the smaller size and weight of the vehicles - Volvo's 1.6L S40 gets 67.3mpg on the highway!)
- They are very tough and last forever
- There has been some great advancements in the 'scrubbing' technology (urea converters, particulate filters, etc)
