Can A Diesel Hybrid Be A Cost Effective Solution?

Volkswagen is the latest car company to announce plans to introduce a vehicle that combines hybrid and diesel technologies. The company says that a diesel-hybrid Golf, to be offered in Europe as early as 2009, will achieve 70 miles to the gallon, and pass tough diesel emissions standards in Europe and California.

The VW diesel hybrid is expected to use a full hybrid drivetrain with a 2.0 liter engine, allowing it to travel in all-electric mode at low speeds.

In the weeks leading up to the Geneva Motor Show, BMW and Mercedes also released plans for diesel-hybrids. BMW will introduce the BMW X5, a seven-passenger vehicle utilizing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine and a mild hybrid system. The X5, which is expected to achieve 36 miles per gallon and 200 horsepower, is still in the concept phase. Mercedes-Benz is offering more details about its S400 gasoline-electric luxury sedan, expected in 2009—but has only hinted at a diesel-hybrid version in 2010.

 

Ironman273 - 3/3/2008 12:37:34 PM

+2 Boost

I laways thought this would be the way to go with hybrid. You have the high mileage of a diesel to begin with and instead of a turbo you assist it with the electric powertrain. You complement it with full electric runnning at low speeds and it sounds like a winning combination.

I always assumed there's something I'm missing because it would seem like a natural home run.

Agent009 - 3/3/2008 12:51:06 PM

+3 Boost

How about a diesel, turbo, hybrid...now thats complex!

EnnNorak - 3/3/2008 4:47:49 PM

+1 Boost

The best solution is to limit the Earth's population growth. More people means more competition for ever-scarcer food and other resources and leads to more wars, price inflation and pollution.

tundrahq - 3/7/2008 3:53:35 PM

+1 Boost

I like it - but I'd worry about buying one of the first gen models. Those are two very complex systems being integrated, especially the diesel. Considering nearly every diesel manufacturer has had problems, I would be leery. Nonetheless, an excellent point.

NItePhire - 3/3/2008 12:40:42 PM

0 Boost

All I ever here about is cost with these guys and never anything about "we will mass produce so the cost can be spread out". I have long thought this type of engine was a good idea. Variable Valve Timing is expensive (or was) so is a multi valve engine (or was) but now its common place. Give us a chance to accept it. Hey does any here know what happened to the Hydraulic Diesel that was suppose to be backed to Ford a few years ago?

enthusiastx11 - 3/3/2008 1:43:24 PM

+4 Boost

for a luxury automaker, a diesel hybrid makes complete sense. at the upper end, people can--and will--pay premiums for products that offer superior attributes.

enthusiastx11 - 3/3/2008 2:00:29 PM

+2 Boost

to whoever deboosted me....so you believe that people won't pay premiums for superior products? hmmmm...

autopro - 3/3/2008 7:09:00 PM

+3 Boost

I think diesel/hybrid is the way to go,we just need more infrastructure on diesel fuel.Hard to find in my area.

2ndbimmer - 3/3/2008 8:03:05 PM

+1 Boost

I think this is great. BMW has said that they will introduce their diesel-hybrid in the next 7 series. Reportedly 40MPG's average. I guess we will see!

investor27 - 3/4/2008 9:40:26 PM

+1 Boost

We all need to get excited about the diesel/electric hybrid. That is the way to go. Lithium batteries instead of Nickel Metal Anhydride is better.

irloyal - 3/6/2008 7:48:22 AM

+1 Boost

Seems like this type of powertrain is perfect ofr the small SUV/Crossover market. Especially in the SW USA where temperatures are not an issue with fuel. I'm a big proponent of regionalizing fuel alternatives. E85 in the midwest where COLD winter temps make diesel or Biodiesel less practical; Diesel hybrids in the SW and SE (Bio Diesel s/b part of the equation), and how about areas like Hawaii, where can sugar can be grown and used for Ethanol. E100 would be a great option for there, Puerto Rico or Florida.