If I was buying a new car right now, I think it would be a Jetta TDI. I’ll let this video explain:
Posts Tagged ‘prius’
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Toyota & Mercedes are Proving that Hydrogen FC and Battery Electric are Perfect Compliments
Thursday, March 19th, 2009I have written a couple of times about the debate between hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and battery electric (here and here). Proponents of each are busy slandering the other. Meanwhile, Toyota and Mercedes are quietly proving that the two technologies are perfect compliments.
Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV)
Toyota is the world wide leader in hybrid vehicles (thanks to the Prius). They are applying what they know about gasoline-electric hybrids to make FCHVs. Take a look at this diagram:
Essentially, they have replaced the gasoline engine from their hybrid drive-train with a hydrogen fuel cell. This allows for a zero emissions vehicle that has a range of over 500 miles and refuels in roughly the same amount of time it takes you and me to fill up with gasoline.
Mercedes is doing the same thing only with a bus.
But Battery Electric is 3x More Efficient Than Hydrogen!
I know, I know, but remember how Toyota is developing a plug-in version of the Prius? It’s a Prius that you charge at home, then drive 30-40 miles on 100% battery power. Doesn’t it seem reasonable that they will apply the same technology to the FCHV? Imagine! All of your quick drives use only efficient battery power charged from the grid. When you need longer range, however, the hydrogen fuel cell kicks in and provides it for you.
I think this is the most promising alternative fuel arrangement that I have seen. It has all the convenience of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (or gasoline for that matter) plus the efficiency of a battery electric vehicle.
Thoughts?
High End Luxury Small and Green Cars
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008There is a gaping hole in the automotive industry’s lineup of cars. I first noticed it when movie stars started driving the first generation Prius and Insight. The ultra-rich settled for cheap, poor driving cars to show their commitment to green.
Meanwhile, there seems to be a mind-set in the automotive industry that small, green cars have to be cheap. I’ve been wondering for a long time why Lexus, Acura, Infinity, Cadillac, Lincoln, and the others don’t have small, high-mpg vehicles loaded with expensive, organic/recycled materials.
It looks like ToMoCo might be the first mover. Lexus will have its own version of the next generation Prius. I expect it to be extremely successful and profitable. The others will follow suit.
