Choices, Choices …

The search for higher mileage and cleaner emissions

Dual-mode hybrid, direct-injection turbodiesel diesel, PZEV, plug-in hybrid, micro-cars, hydrogen fuel cells - these are some of the options new car shoppers can be considering in the quest for fuel efficiency. With U.S. gas prices at record highs and still rising we have accept that the cheap gasoline party is ending. On the brighter side, many new options are emerging for car buyers to consider.

Here are the leading fuel and environmentally efficient choices available soon:

HYBRID VEHICLES

The first production hybrid, Toyota’s Prius, has been a huge influence, raising the miles per gallon (MPG) bar for consumers and automakers alike. With over one million in global sales, it has proven that the high initial cost of this technology was worth it for Toyota.

Already a cult icon, the Prius triggered a host of other hybrids from competing automakers. Now, consumers have a palate of 17 hybrids to choose from - from compact SUV (Ford Escape) to full-size SUV (Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid) and even a high-end, $100,000 luxury sedan (Lexus LS 600h L).

PROS
- Lowest emissions output of today’s vehicles
- Leading MPG delivery
- Socially and environmentally responsible choice
- Federal tax benefits still available for most models
- HOV/Diamond lane sticker benefits

CONS
- Higher cost than comparable standard gas models but the gap narrows as gasoline continues to climb
- Batteries are not “green tech” but nearly all of today’s NiMH batteries in hybrids can be recycled. The Nickel retrieved from the battery packs pays for the recycling costs.

DIRECT INJECTION DIESEL

Over 50% of new cars sold in Europe are diesels. But in the U.S., diesel lost momentum after an early flurry. Manufacturers rushed them into production in the early 80’s in response to high gas prices and there was a wave of engine failures. Then gas prices plummeted and diesel fell out of favor.

But starting this August, Volkswagen will introduce its new generation diesel engines to the U.S. market in its popular Jetta models. Mercedes follows in October with their SUV-lines while BMW will add a potent twin-turbo diesel in the 3-series and X5 SUV lines. In early 2009 Audi will launch their new diesel option for its Q7 model.

Honda too, has placed a big bet on diesel. They’ve even one-upped the Germans by engineering an innovative new catalytic system that could become the industry standard in the next few years. Honda will release its i-DTEC diesel for the U.S. market in 2009, first in the Acura TSX then the Honda Accord. A New York Times test drive of the European spec Acura TSX diesel got up to 53 mpg on the highway. All of these next generation diesels will meet the 50-state emission standards so everyone can put these models on their shopping lists.

With low sulfur diesel becoming widely available, you can forget about the bad exhaust smell once associated with diesels. And with new advanced direct-injection fuel management systems, you won’t get that clack at start up either. You simply get to enjoy great fuel economy, long lasting engines and fun-to-drive factor.

PROS
- Challenge hybrids for fuel efficiency.
- 25% - 40% better mileage than comparable size gas-engines
- Great acceleration for cars; Increased towing capacity for trucks and SUVs
- 50 state availability
- Turbo-diesel models offer great performance, fun-to-drive factor
- Smaller price premium than hybrid models

CONS
- Rising diesel costs are eroding the cost-of-operation benefits realized through higher mileage. $4.33 was the national average for diesel vs. $3.72 for gas (NY Times)
- Only 42% of stations nationwide pump new low sulfur diesel (Diesel TechnologyForum)
- No tax benefits…yet
- Can’t qualify for HOV/Diamond lane exemptions

PZEV

Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) are generally sold within the five states that have enacted legislation creating the toughest emission standards (CA, NY, ME, VT, CT) but will soon grow to eleven over the next couple years.

A PZEV is a California Air Resources Board (CARB) emission standard that is tougher than EPA regulations. A PZEV is the cleanest combustion engine you can drive next to a hybrid.

Subaru has taken a novel approach by making PZEVs available in non-PZEV markets via special order. While the EPA does not favor this, it’s an excellent choice for consumers wanting a more green emissions choice without going hybrid.

PROS
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions without the cost or battery-recycling dilemma of hybrids
- Some PZEVs models incorporate an ozone-scrubbing PremAir radiator that converts smog back into oxygen

CONS
- The EPA is taking the California Air Resources Board to court in an effort to wrest back control over emissions standards which could block more states from allowing PZEV model sales

The “Net-Net”

As both retail gas prices and greenhouse gas concerns rise, we all have a lot of great options to make an enviromentally smart purchase. Any of the above options presented will help U.S. drivers improve fuel efficiency and air quality. It’s up to you to do your part and make the right choice with your next car purchase.