http://mathoda.com/2006/02/the-evolution-of-motors the stories, poems, essays, biography, and projects of Ranjit S. Mathoda Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:57:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://mathoda.com/2006/02/the-evolution-of-motors#comment-10 Bobby Mathoda Sat, 11 Feb 2006 02:08:22 +0000 http://www.mathoda.com/archives/25#comment-10 Glad to see that Ron is finally realizing that he should listen to Dad - better late than never, I guess ;-) Actually Mercedes had developed a hybrid with a diesel engine and had said that in their opinion that would be the most efficient implementation. If memory serves they had claimed a 90 mpg was possible. That makes sense because you use the hybrid to recapture energy lost in braking, store it and use it to supplement the power of the primary engine (like Honda does); or use batteries for low power and start the engine when needed (like Toyota). The problem with hybrids is the hidden costs of the battery - running costs, manufacture and disposal. Bio-fuel or bio-diesel either would work though you have to factor in initial costs and manufacturing costs. Glad to see that Ron is finally realizing that he should listen to Dad – better late than never, I guess ;-)
Actually Mercedes had developed a hybrid with a diesel engine and had said that in their opinion that would be the most efficient implementation. If memory serves they had claimed a 90 mpg was possible. That makes sense because you use the hybrid to recapture energy lost in braking, store it and use it to supplement the power of the primary engine (like Honda does); or use batteries for low power and start the engine when needed (like Toyota).
The problem with hybrids is the hidden costs of the battery – running costs, manufacture and disposal.
Bio-fuel or bio-diesel either would work though you have to factor in initial costs and manufacturing costs.

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