Hybrids
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,046
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From: Maine, Virginia
I wouldn't dare to compare any GM to anything that Toy builds. Many of us here may have a hatred for Toyota, but, they are reliable as hell and the Prius is no different.
The Ford hybrids are actually IMO very attractive though still a little pricey for me.
I was recently reading a newspaper article about the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and it stated that if your driving more on the freeway than in the city, the Hybrid isn't the way to go. I guess that makes perfect sense.
I'm not sure why the diesel hybrid hasn't made a huge leap to market as of yet.
Tim
The Ford hybrids are actually IMO very attractive though still a little pricey for me.
I was recently reading a newspaper article about the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and it stated that if your driving more on the freeway than in the city, the Hybrid isn't the way to go. I guess that makes perfect sense.
I'm not sure why the diesel hybrid hasn't made a huge leap to market as of yet.
Tim
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
Diesel hybrids may not have happened yet for two reasons in my opinion. The internal combustion engine on a hybrid needs to be able to start almost instantly and also very smoothly so that there is no noticeable transition. I don't think diesels are able to do either yet.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: eastern nc
I have heard that the Ford hybrid system is Toyota technology (in essence the same). The way it was stated to me, it was a technology swap, Ford had fuel injection technology Toyota wanted and Ford wanted the hybrid technology from Toyota. Don't know if it is true.
I would think a diesel electric hybrid would add a considerable cost to an already pricey system.
I would think a diesel electric hybrid would add a considerable cost to an already pricey system.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
In exchange for licensing the Toyota system, Ford licensed a fuel injection system to Toyota that I believe was for diesel engines.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
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From: Running Springs CA
Take the cost of, lets say, a VW Jetta TDI
$24K
add batteries
$8K
subtract driveline
-$5k
add electric motors and controls
$5k
$32k (sticker) for a fairly luxurious mid-size diesel hybrid.
That is nowhere near the $43K estimated for the volt.
Not as cheap as an Insight or base Prius, but in the same range as the Camry, Fusion and Escape gasoline parallel hybrids.
Jim
