What we need is ...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(livegreen @ Jun 15 2007, 06:43 PM) [snapback]462669[/snapback]</div>

Diesels are heavier, run hotter, and produce more particulates compared to gasoline engines. Perhaps some of these shortcommings can be overcome.

 

You sure you aren't just thinking of the old diesel engines and not the new clean diesel ones?

It could be that diesel already has a ton of torque at low RPMs. The electric engine is supposed to provide a lot of torque at those low RPMs that gas engines just can't. Diesels can so I don't know how much it would help. No doubt it would help the city mileage, but overall I'm just not too sure.

I could be wrong though. I don't know a ton about car stuff as it is.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alexstarfire @ Jun 15 2007, 09:25 PM) [snapback]462746[/snapback]</div>

No, ANY diesel is heavier (Higher Compression requires more metal), runs hotter (Unless they're hot they won't run efficiently) and produces more particulates (The nature of the beast). The new "Clean" Diesels are about as clean as the dirtiest legally allowed cars.

By benefit of getting good mileage, Diesels can produce less CO2 per mile than Gasoline Engines, but you have to be sure to correct for the higher energy density of Diesel fuel or you get a deceptive comparison.

Diesels make great sense as hybrids in some applications, like trains and heavy equipment, busses, and long haul trucks.

They make less sense in smaller vehicles.

For one thing, starting Diesel Engines is dirtier and more difficult than starting Gasoline Engines. Diesel engines can also be very rough stopping. The added energy to start one, and the added engineering to clean up the start cycle are both negatives (one efficiency, and one cost).

Also, Diesels don't get fully efficient until they're up to temperature so start-stop means more time running in a less efficient state.

So, most Diesel-Hybrid implementations likely won't include start-stop, and will thus not be as efficient in city/suburban driving. I suspect they'll do great on the open road though.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tempus @ Jun 17 2007, 10:12 AM) [snapback]463469[/snapback]</div>

Sine the OP specifically suggested BIODIESEL over DIESEL, these points are moot.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tempus @ Jun 17 2007, 10:12 AM) [snapback]463469[/snapback]</div>

On the other hand, these points are very good ones ... and are probably large factors into why we don't have diesel hybrid vehicles to date.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(snowdog650 @ Jun 18 2007, 06:04 PM) [snapback]464307[/snapback]</div>

Then you have the NOX problem magnified.

 

heard biodiesel not really cleaner. just diff dirt. oops tempus i think is referring to this..