What About Diesels?

Last week GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz released a video on the GM FastLane Blog addressing the many inquiries sent to GM about the return of diesel cars to the American marketplace. His reply was confusing.

Lutz explains “Do not assume that the diesel engine is a panacea and is going to make everyone get to a fleet of 36 miles per gallon.”

He continues with the following points:
- Although diesel vehicles traditionally get on average 30% better fuel mileage than gasoline, they have increased emissions.

- In order for diesel cars to be sold in the US they will need to meet strict emissions standards involving more emissions control technology to reduce NOx. Each state’s regulations will vary, with California and the Northeastern states requiring much higher standards.

- The additional technology will add about $2,000 to the price tag of a diesel car.

- The new technology (SCR) will require the injection of urea, adding more hassle for car owners.

- Emissions control technology will reduce the fuel efficiency of diesel engines to only 15% above gasoline engines.

After this discussion of the problems involved with re-introducing diesel vehicles to the U.S., Lutz veers 180 degrees from this position and assures the American public, that indeed, GM is working on developing diesel cars that will soon be available in all 50 states – even in ultra-strict California.

To add to the confusion, CNNMoney.com contacted GM’s Executive Director for diesel technology, Charlie Freese, for comment. Mr. Freese believes fuel efficiency will only drop 5%, still placing the new diesel using ultra-low diesel fuel (to dramatically reduce sulfur) and fitted with emissions control technology to reduce particulate and NOx, at around 25% better fuel economy than a gasoline engine.

And then there’s an editorial by Drew Winter in the July issue of Ward’s Auto World that states the following:
- 50% of new vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered and get approximately 30% better fuel economy than gasoline powered cars.
- European governments have encouraged the purchase of diesel vehicles by lowering diesel fuel taxes.
- Europe mandated ultra-low sulfur diesel long before the U.S., allowing for cleaner diesel emissions.
- The U.S. will never come close to Europe’s achievements without offering tax incentives for the purchase of diesel vehicles, as well as changing consumer behavior by raising taxes on gasoline.

Commentary by CleanAIR Systems, manufacturer of emissions control technology:

Our country imports more emissions control technology than we export. Creating, solving and inventing new ways to clean up vehicle emissions should be at the very forefront of our country’s technological goals, establishing the U.S. as a leader in this market.

The emissions control industry began in the 1970’s. If we had developed better, cleaner diesel vehicles 35 years ago, we would have decreased the amount of fuel used in cars by 30%. This would have reduced our emissions, reduced the amount of fuel burned, and reduced our dependency on foreign oil.

Innovative emissions control technology takes passion, persistence and the ability to change the norm with new and better ideas that create a cleaner environment.

See the Source:
GM FastLane Blog
CNNMoney.com
Ward’s Auto World
CleanAIR Systems