Why are most hybrids based on gasoline engines? 1

[SomptingGuy]

Why is it that car companies are pitching gasoline-based hybrids as alternatives to diesel vehicles? Surely a diesel-hybrid has a similar advantage over a gasoline-hybrid as a diesel has over a gasoline?

Sure you can downsize your gasoline engine and run it more efficiently - possibly even without a throttle. But even then it's still going to be less efficient than a diesel as the main power source in a hybrid.

Or is it simply image? Hybrid=high-tech, Diesel=low-tech. Ergo, hybrids cannot use Diesel engines.

 

[skootaroo]

Toyota Australia has offered every model here except corolla in diesel for at least fifteen years! I would expect only pugeot to have more passenger car diesels here than toyota.
Too much weight penalty having diesel hybrids, I'll bet hybrid car engineers would give their right arm for a spare 20kg for more battery

 

[circuit1952]

Earlier this year EPA and Eaton announced a demonstration project where they would outfit a UPS delivery truck with a hybrid powertrain that includes a clean diesel engine and hydraulics. See

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/technology/420f05006.htm

 

[GregLocock]

Scootaroo claimed "Toyota Australia has offered every model here except corolla in diesel for at least fifteen years!"

Odd, Toyota Australia's site does not list any diesel options for Avalon or Camry (their medium/large cars). Autospeed doesn't list any secondhand ones.




Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[duck0601]

General Motors is currently selling busses in the U.S. that are diesel electric hybrids.

 

[flat4fantasy]

I think Japanese OEMs are using gas hybrids not because they're more efficient than a diesel hybrid, but as has been said before they complement each other in terms of driving experience.

OTOH, 0-60 timies do not matter in a bus, where efficiency and longevity do. Diesels can go 500K miles before a rebuild and are more efficient during cruising than a gas job.