For whatever it's worth, the new VW Lupo diesel does just over 3.2L / 100 km. Very efficient indeed, much better than a Prius, and cheaper than one as well. It should hit North America next year as a 2010 model.

I do think fully electric cars will be the obvious solution in the future, hydrogen has no distribution network, and the cost of petrol/diesel will continue to rise. Hybrids are likely to become a stop-gap solution as we increase battery efficiency, or for those who need long range commuting without recharging times.

The one thing I do love about hybrids...regenerative braking. Seems so silly to lose all that kinetic energy in heat.

-Mike

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
With all due respect to the hybrid jocks on this list, give me an efficient and modern turbodiesel every time. 51mpg, that's fine. But diesels do just as well, and most of the time better.
    -------- Original Message --------
    Subject: [USMA:41209] RE: LTE - Hybrid & Diesel Economy Math
    From: "STANLEY DOORE" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
    Date: Tue, June 24, 2008 8:13 am
    To: "U.S. Metric Association" <[email protected]>

        I understand that the cost of electrical propulsion cost for
    cars is now about one quarter of that for gasoline and diesel only
    vehicles.  And, as batteries are expected to improve, the
    difference will be even greater.  Toyota is expected to have a
    plug-in option next year and  li-ion batteries will increase the
    range.  I recently got 51.3 mpg on a recent tank of regular
    gasoline (473 miles).  Also, electricity can be generated from
    many different energy sources.
        Stan Doore
        ----- Original Message -----
        *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
        <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> onclick="return
        
true;Popup.composeWindow('pcompose.php?sendto=wfp%40wfpconsulting.com');;
        return false;" href="mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]"
        target=_blank mce_href="mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]">Bill Potts
        *To:* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
        <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> onclick="return
        true;Popup.composeWindow('pcompose.php?sendto=usma%40colostate.edu');;
        return false;" href="mailto:[email protected]"; target=_blank
        mce_href="mailto:[email protected]";>U.S. Metric Association
        *Sent:* Monday, June 23, 2008 3:34 PM
        *Subject:* [USMA:41203] RE: LTE - Hybrid & Diesel Economy Math

        Regarding your last paragraph, Stan, we mustn't forget that
        plugging in and charging doesn't come free. You need to add
        that component of your electricity bill to your total cost.
And, from an environmental point of view, we must remember
        that most of the electricity in the U.S. is generated using
        fossil fuels (particularly coal). Canada is, of course, much
        better placed in that respect, in that most of their
        electricity is produced by hydroelectric power stations
        (which, although they don't pollute, do create their own
        fairly serious environmental problems).
Bill
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Bill Potts
        Roseville, CA
        http://metric1.org [SI Navigator]

            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED]
            <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
            [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of *STANLEY DOORE
            *Sent:* Monday, June 23, 2008 11:17
            *To:* U.S. Metric Association
            *Subject:* [USMA:41201] LTE - Hybrid & Diesel Economy Math

"*/Hybrids and diesels save, but math can be tricky/*"
            in the June 20 issue of The Washington Times explains
            various elements to be considered in evaluating auto
            purchases; however, they are not easy to use.
Consider standardizing on some basic numbers. For
            example, use 10,000 km and 20,000 km (6200 miles and
            12,400 miles respectively) driven per year.  Then use the
            price of $4.00/gallon for gasoline and $4.50 for diesel
            fuel to drive those distances.    These round numbers
            simplify the math and will help people to understand the
            differences in savings quicker.
The keys are total distance driven, fuel used and the
            cost of fuel.  Although miles per gallon or  km/L  has
            increased for new diesel fuel vehicles, it doesn't tell
            the full story about the additional cost compared with
            gasoline hybrids.
Hybrids with electric drive provide added torque and
            better fuel economy than new diesel powered vehicles.  And
            with an electric plug-in option, hybrids will have even
            better fuel economy compared with diesel only vehicles.
Stan Doore


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