Hybrid Diesels- Not For U.S.

By John Vlahakis

Diesel hybrid vehicles are in the works and coming to a European city by spring 2011. Unfortunately, plans to import them into the U.S. have not been formalized by the European car manufacturers. Peugeot, who once had a U.S. presence, will be the first European manufacturer to sell a diesel hybrid next year. Their model 3008 Hybrid4 diesel car will get 62 miles to the gallon. The 3008 Hybrid4′s 2.0-liter, 163-bhp HDi diesel engine powers the car’s front wheels, while the rear axle is powered a 37-bhp electric motor with nickel-metal hydride batteries. The car can be completely powered by electricity when going 35 miles per hour or slower. The electric engine also kicks in to recharge its battery when the vehicle decelerates via regenerative breaking. The 3008 Hybrid4 can also run on diesel engine alone, or work both engines in tandem in a four-wheel drive mode or when an extra power boost is needed to accelerate. Diesel engines already use 30 percent less fuel than their gasoline equivalents, and being more efficient seems to mean more to Europeans than Americans, particularly when Europeans are paying $7 per gallon. Mercedes also plans on delivering a diesel hybrid in 2011. Both companies are vying to be first to market with a mass produced diesel hybrid, but it seems Peugeot will reach that goal before Mercedes. Diesel hybrids have been in the works for several years, but there has been a renewed interest to now bring them to market. Prototype vehicles have been shown at previous auto shows by Audi, Volvo, BMW, and Hyundai. FedEx recently announced a fleet upgrade to convert a majority of their delivery trucks to diesel hybrids. The biggest disappointment is that none of these vehicles are slated for the U.S. market. Consumers right now need better choices in reducing their fossil fuel consumption. Why aren’t any of the U.S. manufacturers adding this choice to their lineups?