With new catalytic converter and particulate filter technology, diesel cars will get similar mileage, emission levels and performance as gas-electric hybrids. Gas-electric hybrids will still be a little cleaner and more fuel-efficient in urban driving conditions, but the difference will not be big enough to say that gas-electric hybrids are a lot more environmentally friendly.
Here's a clip from Toyotas annual report 2003:
"Based on its Toyota Diesel Clean Advanced Technology
(Toyota D-CAT) concept, Toyota is developing engines with
cleaner emissions by introducing such advanced technologies as
the Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction (DPNR) catalytic converter
system. Combined with Toyota’s extremely high-precision, electronically
controlled common rail fuel injection system, Toyota’s
newly developed DPNR catalytic converter system achieves initial
reductions of 80% in particulate matter and 50% in NOx in diesel
engine exhaust fumes."
|