Toyota's forsight pays off, Part Two

Rae Vynn · May 20, 2008

Why Hybrids beat Diesels

An article on Grist about our favorite car, and why it's better

The best thing about the Prius is that it achieves its high fuel economy without sacrificing size or performance and, most importantly for global warming, without being a diesel. There seems to be a lot of confusion on this point, so let me elaborate.
Bottom Line: If you care about global warming, don't buy a diesel car (certainly not in this country), and if you must buy a diesel, only get a new one with a very good particle trap. [Does this mean that Europe's massive switch to diesel was not good for the climate? In a word,"probably."]
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F8L · May 20, 2008

I'd like to know more about the data they used to come to this conclusion before I automatically accept it. For instance, did they include diesel-powered transport and work vehicles?

when diesel vehicles have 30% better mileage than gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles emitting particles continuously at a particulate matter emission standard of 40 mg/mi or 80 mg/mi may warm climate more than gasoline vehicles for more than 100 yr for a CO2 lifetime of 30 yearsâ€¦. However, diesel emitting at 10 mg/mi (Tier 2, bins 2-6 emission standard) may
warm climate relative to gasoline for about 10 yr at 30% higher mileage.

However, because no diesel vehicle available in the U.S. in 2006, 2005, or 2004 emitted less CO2 than did the best gasoline vehicle available, the 30% scenario in not applicable to the best available vehicles in the United States. As such, 2006 and earlier diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. all caused more global warming than did the best gasoline cars available, over a 100-year period.
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Rybold · May 21, 2008

Interesting article, and the author provided good sources. Thank you.
I think 25 years from now, we'll be PHEVs, using cellulosic ethanol. Also, we will all have recycle bins for kitchen and restaurant plant and animal waste scraps, that will be used to make fuel.

I can't wait until the day that every house has solar panels on the roof, and all new houses are built with solar panels. Just plug in the hybrid and be happy.

KandyRedCoi · May 21, 2008

thanx for the read

Toyota's forsight pays off, Part Two

Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

Rybold globally warmed member

KandyRedCoi S is for Super!

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Toyota's forsight pays off, Part Two

Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

Rybold globally warmed member

KandyRedCoi S is for Super!