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Comments:
Dan Arbor - 2005-02-09 12:46:04 "Based on engine testing, using the most stringent emissions testing protocols required by EPA for certification of fuels or fuel additives in the US, the overall ozone forming potential of the speciated hydrocarbon emissions from biodiesel was nearly 50 percent less than that measured for diesel fuel." This represents a significant decrease in pollutants and we should absolutely seize this opportunity now. In the meantime, we can work on perfecting a pollution-free system, aware that any cuts in emissions are a good thing. I feel it's important to point this out because it's just the kind of mis-statement that's blown out of proportion by opponents of progressive fuel technologies (big oil) in order to discredit actual, measurable benefits from alternative fuel sources. We're likely not going to solve this in one fell swoop, and the important thing is to remain focused on what's important. (puts away soapbox) * * * * * * * * * * * * Anna - 2005-02-09 12:46:29BTW, Is anyone listening to Fresh Air? Terry Gross is getting chastized by Lynne Cheney. LC is getting very annoyed because TG has been asking about her political opinion and has brought up the lesbian ("NOT a lesbian!" says Cheney) in her novel Sisters.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 12:47:21 Yep, I'm listening. I was glad Lynn Cheney gave us such an articulate, lengthy explanation about why she doesn't support the gay-marriage ban. Thanks for spelling it out, Lynn.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 12:51:36 And, Dan, those are excellent points. You are right, "biodiesels have emissions" is the kind of statement that can get blown out of context. You're right, we should definitely seize such technologies without delay instead of fooling around with such silly, for-show projects as an inefficient hybrid SUV.* * * * * * * * * * * * Dan Arbor - 2005-02-09 13:37:57 I was reading an article recently that did a sort of post-mortem on the prez campaign, and the author felt that one of the most intersting things (to him) was that the Cheneys were somehow able to simultaneously convey shame at their gay daughter, and outrage that that it was in any way relevent to a disussion about gay marriage, and get away with it. This is why I am not terribly confident in the people's ability to select the bets candidate even without all the lies and subterfuge. * * * * * * * * * * * * Eric * - 2005-02-09 14:10:15The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most efficient hybrid engine in existance is the only true hybrid engine on the market today. I recently read where Toyota approached Ford hoping to "share" technology. In the auto world, share is code for steal.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 14:14:44 Dan: did they really convey shame towards their daughter? I ask because the one time I heard Dick Cheney discuss her, it was to say he was proud of her. So it appears I may have missed something (but would love to know). You are right, they walk a fine line indeed between acknowledging/supporting their daughter's orientation and political considerations.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 14:17:39 Eric *, I hadn't known Toyota came sniffing around to try and coax Ford into "sharing" technology. But I wonder--why would they? I mean, why wouldn't Toyota just buy an Escape & take it apart & study it, then replicate the technology? I'm a bit confused by that. You raised a good point. However, it must be noted that fleetwise, Ford's fuel economy is the worst of the top 6 automakers. I can't help but see the Escape as a token.* * * * * * * * * * * * Eric * - 2005-02-09 14:25:32 You can't replicate technology that is patented. All hybrid's are tokens. Toyota loses $9K on every one they sell. Everyone loves the Prius, but they somehow forget that Toyota sells more jumbo Sequoias than they do of the hybrid.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 14:28:07 When you put it that way, I have to agree with you--you are right; at this point, every hybrid is a token, including the Prius. Toyota may still sell more Sequoias, but they sure sell more Priuses now than 5 years ago--and it's catching on fast. Gives me some hope.* * * * * * * * * * * * Eric * - 2005-02-09 14:45:30 Hybrids don't make sense from a consumer standpoint. A hybrid engine is more than twice the cost of a traditional ICE. (The increased cost also has nothing to do with economies of scale.) Last year Toyota sold 53K Priuses in an 18M car market or 0.3% of all vehicles. Toyota thinks their Prius market caps out around 80K vehicles. The important thing to watch here is how many other OEMs jump on the hybrid bandwagon. VW has already stated they will not build hybrids because they don't believe consumers will buy them. The bottom line is a family looking to purchase a $15K car willing to spend three or four thousand more get a hybird? That's more than a 25% increase in price. The average consumer doesn't have that kind of money. An even funnier addendum to this hybrid business is that people who buy them get a one-time tax deduction (not credit). It has shrunk from $3K to to $1500K in 2005. The average household income of a Honda Civic Hybrid owner is $100K. In the 35% tax bracket, the average owner got back $1050 when the deduction was $3K. We applaud hybrid owners for being "green," but in reality we are giving tax breaks to rich. For some reason no one ever shows outrage over that.* * * * * * * * * * * * LF - 2005-02-09 17:47:37 Laura - the reason Toyota doesn't buy an Escape and replicate the technology is that they actually honor patented technology unlike the state supported Chinese auto manufacturers that blatantly rip off patented designs. Those cars will be hitting our shores within the next two years. Inexpensive, cheaply made cars ready for our market with little money invested in research or licensing. Why pay when another company will design it for you?* * * * * * * * * * * * LF - 2005-02-09 18:24:01 Boy, I sound like some xenophobic nationalistic turd. Certainly other corporations and countries, including some in the US, have done the same. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-09 22:32:00 I find that interesting LF--I hadn't known China was gearing up to produce cars. I'll be interested to see what they produce. Eric: that is an interesting point you make, about the average household income. Makes sense. But I daresay the Prius price will drop in time, like any technology as its exciting debut fades into the ordinary.* * * * * * * * * * * * farlane - 2005-02-10 12:58:54 One fact about biodiesel that is seldom commented on is the fact that its (relative) cleanness extends engine life, making it less than attractive to the new car every 10 years model that keeps automakers in business. I am hopeful that the market will force automakers to make more than token efforts in greener fuels, but it will take loud demands from the marketplace.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-10 13:39:19 That's another very interesting facet to all this, farlane. Wasn't Ralph Nader the first person to say that cars have built-in obsolescence? * * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2005-02-10 15:31:03 This Freep article documents why hybrids never reach their EPA mileage figures, making them less cost-effective than they may appear. But I think it is an interesting technology and I think that as manufacturers gain more experience with them, the price will drop and efficiency will rise.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-10 15:44:35 Great link, Tom; thank you. The Prius's milage fell from 60 highway/51 city to just 22! Excerpt: "A sophisticated feature that shuts the gasoline engine off when it's not needed is one of the key reasons the vehicles score so well with the EPA, but the Escape, Accord and Civic all lose that ability when the front defroster is on [or when the AC is maxing out]."* * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2005-02-10 15:51:06 I get 22 city, 28 highway in my 2001 6-cyl Audi A4 Quattro (stick), so I guess I'm as green as a Prius owner. I hope the EPA modifies their testing requirements to take defrosters and A/C into account.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-10 15:54:21 Yes, you would be as green. You are right, the EPA should modify its figures to reflect actual use (and redesign the car so that the motor doesn't kick on when accessories are turned on). That sounds like a stylish car, by the way (good for you for driving a stick!--the only way to drive.)* * * * * * * * * * * * Jane - 2005-02-11 09:31:21 Go Soybean like me... as soon as the weather warms up I'm gonna be running my 2001 VW Golf TDI on 100% soybean biodiesel, available from Wacker Oil on Pleasant Lake Road.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-02-11 09:36:04 "go soybean" is funny. :) Jane, it's funny you mention Wacker. I was chatting with someone yesterday who mentioned that Wacker was the first supplier to supply biodiesel fuel in the state.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |