“(By using biodiesel fuel), there’s about a 50 percent reduction in carbon monoxide emissions, a 70 percent reduction in particle pollution and it totally eliminates sulfate pollution,” he said. “From an environmental standpoint, that’s really good.” - Tim Rehder, environmental scientist representing EPA.
Joseph Jerome makes his own biodiesel or as he calls it “liquid sunshine”. He started making it when prices of diesel soared to $3.31 a gallon. Now he makes his own that powers his car, truck, tractor, and generator for a measly $.70 a gallon. Plus he even has some of the local restaurants paying him to to take away their used oil! I think that’s the definition of a win-win situation. Sure the biodiesel will gel if gets too cold, but that’s why others mix biodiesel with normal diesel. It achieves a lower gel point while still retaining most of the increased lubricating qualities of biodiesel. So! Good for the engine! Good for the earth!
Link to news article
This time VW is doing the kicking. Although this isn’t in America it’s still good news for diesel proponents. VW has a 80hp 1.4L 3 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Polo that is getting 72 mpg. VW had to modify it to get better aerodynamics and equip it with low rolling resistance tires, but since they are actually going to start selling some that way it’s not cheating. Way to go VW!
Link to story
Mercedes-Benz is definitely making strides to show the world diesel doesn’t have to be dirty. Their 2007 C320 Bluetec will arguably be the the cleanest burning diesel in the world. They will be using piezoelectric injectors for a more precise spray, a particulate filter to lessen the amount of soot that leaves the tailpipes, a DeNOx storage catalytic converter to severly cut down the NOx emissions, and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalytic converter to further cut down remaining emissions. With 211hp and 398lb. ft. of torque it should be no slouch either.
Edmund’s Inside Line
Mercedes-Benz Alternative Fuels FAQ
And look here to see how diesel technology kicks hybrid’s butt in a 3200 mile endurance test.
Diesel Vs. Hybrid
North America will be getting a new light-duty diesel engine with class leading torque and better fuel efficiency than comparable sized gas engines. The new engine will be put in vehicles under 8600lbs. GVW and use a dual overhead cam, four-valve configuration. They’ve also managed to meet the even stricter 2010 emissions standards by using a NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter. A new common-rail fuel system with the ability to inject fuel five times per combustion event will also help with emissions while also giving them more ability to control noise. A cleaner quieter diesel truck is good news for everyone. I’d love to start modifying a diesel Silverado, but I’ll bet tires would get expensive real soon.
Link to GM press release