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just when you thought the petrol v diesel debate had finished......
paulhumphries:
--- Quote from: datalas on January 18, 2008, 16:01:29 ---Why is the Prius a petrol ? I thought diesels were supposed to be more efficient :?
--- End quote ---
I went to a lecture by Leoni, who make automotive wiring harnesses, and this question was raised.
Answer was the US hasn't the same quality diesel fuel as Europe as the main users are large commercial vehicles.
That means the US public tend to prefer petrol engines and thus manufacturers have to take into account their "target" customers.
Making the Prius a diesel would have many US potential buyers dismissing it instantly and therefore Toyota decided to go with a petrol unit.
FWIW It seem the Prius battery pack has a limited life (I think approx 5 years in normal use / driving) and when it need replacing it's already estimated that new packs will cost more then the secondhand value of the vehicle :roll:
It'll be interesting to see if this proves true.
Paul Humphries
davidlandy:
--- Quote from: datalas on January 18, 2008, 16:01:29 ---Why is the Prius a petrol ? I thought diesels were supposed to be more efficient :?
--- End quote ---
diesels are a more efficient engine - one of the selling points of the prius would be the extra torque delivered by the electric motor at low engine revs - if they had fitted a diesel engine in the first place there probably wouldnt had been much need for the electric motor....and therefore not much need for the prius I guess. its a gimmick/PR stunt/ headline grabber car in my view.
ChrisV8:
:twisted: :twisted:The Pratus is the biggest con trick out and those who buy them want their heads examining. The batteries they use alone cause more pollutant in excavation in Canada, refining in Wales, making in Japan (yes work out the mileages thatre !!) before we even get into what you do with the things when they have had it. First generation ones batteries are failing now, £4k to replace !!!!! Very economic not !!!
If you don't believe read this !!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy/Hidden%20Cost%20of%20Driving%20a%20Prius%20Commentary.pdf
Range Rover Blues:
There was that dust-to-dust survey in the 'states showing the Hummer was far better for the environment than the pious because of how long it lasted and what it takes to build/maintain/recycle.
BTW, petrol engines typically yield 44Kw/kg, deisels only 42Kw/Kg. Diesel is only more "efficient" because you measure it by volume and not weight.
davidlandy:
--- Quote from: Range Rover Blues on January 18, 2008, 17:08:11 ---There was that dust-to-dust survey in the 'states showing the Hummer was far better for the environment than the pious because of how long it lasted and what it takes to build/maintain/recycle.
BTW, petrol engines typically yield 44Kw/kg, deisels only 42Kw/Kg. Diesel is only more "efficient" because you measure it by volume and not weight.
--- End quote ---
didnt mean power to weight - its about how much of the energy contained within the fuel is turned into power rather into heat or noise etc... a diesel does a better job of this than a petrol.
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