Diesel hybrids.. why not?

[srwrightdotcom]

All these manufacturers seem to be going to so much effort to produce successful selling hybrid petrol cars, but why don't they use a diesel as a starting point?

[Major Fallout]

I did know the answer to this!

But I forgot it.

[kambites]

I think one reason is that one of the biggest markets for hybrids is the US.

There are other reasons though, depending on the type of hybrid.

Edited by kambites on Friday 12th November 18:04

[10 Pence Short]

Heavy, complex and expensive. Plus the torque of the electric motor makes lightweight, low power petrol engines less of a compromise than they might be, whereas a diesel already has it. Not to mention from a marketing point of view, people still see diesel as dirty and polluting when a hybrid is sold as all about saving the planet. A near silent and smooth petrol engine is also much more in keeping with the philosphy they're trying to sell.

[Johnnytheboy]

My old man and I have had debates about this too. Came to the conclusion that the US market partly to do with it, but also the japs (who seem to be the drivers of hybrid) don't go that mad on diesel to start with.

[4mo]

Last article I read on it said it was due to expense. Hybrids are already pricey add a diesel engine which is more expensive than a petrol engine and it just pushes the price up further.

[chard]

Deisels take a long time to warm up.

I think the way forward is battery backed up with an on board generator

[kambites]

chard said:

Deisels take a long time to warm up.

I think the way forward is battery backed up with an on board generator

The technical term is "range extender hybrids". Audi seem to be on the verge of releasing one, which uses a wankel engine of all things, for the generator.

[angusc43]

What an unappealing concept - makes me feel slightly ill.

[williamp]

angusc43 said:

What an unappealing concept - makes me feel slightly ill.

Then have warm, happy thoughts about what Jaguar are doing. They have a running XJ saloon with a Lotus designed range extender engine. Called the limo green concept. I've travelled in it, and you cannot tell when the enging starts or stops. A very interstsing insight into the possible future

They are also looking at a range extender using a small jet engine

[Polrules]

It's also to keep the weight down, diesel is always > petrol.

[12gauge]

I always thought it was because diesels are already relatively far more fuel efficient particularly at idle and low speeds than petrols anyway, thus the fuel savings would be far less impressive on diesels than petrols.

[Polrules]

12gauge said:

I always thought it was because diesels are already relatively far more fuel efficient particularly at idle and low speeds than petrols anyway, thus the fuel savings would be far less impressive on diesels than petrols.

I always though it was on the open road that diesel had the edge (in economy terms) & round town there is not much in it...

[lescombes]

Citroen have been working in these for the last 5 years, they had a mule based on a Berlingo then C4..... http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php...
I guess it won't be long before they are in production..... I believe they have a Hybrid C4 rally car too....

[fadeaway]

it's the cost - as diesel engines cost more - combined with the US market.

Think it was Honda who admitted that the whole point of hybrids at the moment was to create a petrol car with the economy of a diesel, as a petrol hybrid isn't really any more efficient that a good modern diesel.

To save the polar bears you'd want a diesel hybrid.