12-20-2006, 11:32 PM
As far as diesel goes, the cost is even higher.
As an option, diesel engines are more expensive than gassers. The new 01/07 emissions standards are going to increase that cost even more. As an example, the '08 Ford diesel option for their light duty trucks is ~$1600 more than the current '07 option, which is already ~$5300.
The particulate filters will need servicing. Plus at low RPMs, the exhaust is not hot enough for the regeneration process, so it dumps raw fuel into the exhaust stream to bring up the temps. Depending on your driving style, could affect mpg a lot, or not at all.
The whole regeneartion process results in.....more CO2. So, NOx and particulate emissions go down, but CO2 goes up.
There are several different ways for the emissions reductions to happen, the above is just one, but is definately being used. The Euros have yet to commit.
Euro diesel is NOT sulphur free, BGnR. Maybe you were referring to ULSD? Which was a reduction from LSD which was <500ppm to the current <15ppm. It's at the pumps. 10/15 was supposed to be the deadline for at the pump availability. The new engines, built after 01/07, REQUIRE ULSD. You will wreak havoc on the emissions system by using LSD. In California, we've had a low aromatic blend for some time, and ARCO has actually been distributing ULSD for years. Quality of the lubricity additve pack varies widely too. The new Chevron/Unocal makes for some loud injectors on my Ford, requiring the use of an additive. I won't even go near the cheapo stations. Saving 10cents at the pump is not worth injectors @ $300 each.
And, has anyone seen the price of diesel lately? About a 30% premium over regular unleaded. Bio is even higher, unless you make your own. But the whole tax situation with that is a nightmare. They will start cracking down on the home brewers eventually.
While using the diesel as part of a genset makes sense, maybe not so much for passenger vehicles. The size of an electric motor to provide 100% of power to the drivetrain is going to be quite large and heavy. Works on heavy equipment and such where the equipment is expected to last >20 years and size/weight is not an issue. In addition, not many people drive in a way that is consistent with placing a constant load for the genset to work efficiently.
Simply put, at this point in time, I think the costs outweigh the benefits. Your ROI is even further away on diesel hybrid.
As an option, diesel engines are more expensive than gassers. The new 01/07 emissions standards are going to increase that cost even more. As an example, the '08 Ford diesel option for their light duty trucks is ~$1600 more than the current '07 option, which is already ~$5300.
The particulate filters will need servicing. Plus at low RPMs, the exhaust is not hot enough for the regeneration process, so it dumps raw fuel into the exhaust stream to bring up the temps. Depending on your driving style, could affect mpg a lot, or not at all.
The whole regeneartion process results in.....more CO2. So, NOx and particulate emissions go down, but CO2 goes up.
There are several different ways for the emissions reductions to happen, the above is just one, but is definately being used. The Euros have yet to commit.
Euro diesel is NOT sulphur free, BGnR. Maybe you were referring to ULSD? Which was a reduction from LSD which was <500ppm to the current <15ppm. It's at the pumps. 10/15 was supposed to be the deadline for at the pump availability. The new engines, built after 01/07, REQUIRE ULSD. You will wreak havoc on the emissions system by using LSD. In California, we've had a low aromatic blend for some time, and ARCO has actually been distributing ULSD for years. Quality of the lubricity additve pack varies widely too. The new Chevron/Unocal makes for some loud injectors on my Ford, requiring the use of an additive. I won't even go near the cheapo stations. Saving 10cents at the pump is not worth injectors @ $300 each.
And, has anyone seen the price of diesel lately? About a 30% premium over regular unleaded. Bio is even higher, unless you make your own. But the whole tax situation with that is a nightmare. They will start cracking down on the home brewers eventually.
While using the diesel as part of a genset makes sense, maybe not so much for passenger vehicles. The size of an electric motor to provide 100% of power to the drivetrain is going to be quite large and heavy. Works on heavy equipment and such where the equipment is expected to last >20 years and size/weight is not an issue. In addition, not many people drive in a way that is consistent with placing a constant load for the genset to work efficiently.
Simply put, at this point in time, I think the costs outweigh the benefits. Your ROI is even further away on diesel hybrid.