A Easy 30% Reduction - GreenHybrid

Delta Flyer · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 06:59 AM

The title of the article is actually Japanese cars top ‘greenest’ list. It does mention ACEEE's (www.greenercars.com) greenest - and meanest vehicles. Meanest:

8.3-liter, 500-horsepower Dodge Ram SRT10 pickup truck
Lamborghini Murcielago
Bentley Arnage
Dodge Durango
Dodge Ram 1500 pickup
Hummer H2
Ford F-250 pickup
GMC Yukon XL K2500
Volkswagen Touareg
Chevrolet Suburban K2500

My favorite quote in the article

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACEEE policy director

...Americans could cut their average gasoline bill by $510 a year and reduce emissions tied to global warming by more than 30 percent simply by buying the greenest vehicle in the class they’re interested in.

I don't know if FE would also be reduced 30% along with the greenhouse gasses, but it would probably be significant.

Over the next five years that would seem like a very easy sacrifice. Factor into that some could easily move down a class...

finman · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 07:28 AM

I had a co-worker send me that list and asked me how the gas-only GM vehicles (as well as the gas-only Corolla and Civic) can be PZEV. I wasn't sure. I know MPG is weighed and maybe a cleaner-burning engine...but I thought partial zero emissions meant just that: sometimes (as when the engine is off sitting in traffic, not possible on a non-hybrid), it is a zero emission car.

I realize the Atkinson-Miller Prus engine is better combusting and the Hondas have a lean-burn (not sure what this means, but in an Otto cycle). So how do the gas-only cars do it using the Otto cycle? I was certain that the Prius is the only currently produced car using the Atkinson-Miller cycle for less emissions, but less power (thus using battery/electric motor(s) to fill the gap).

Any advice or internet sites to help here?

Delta Flyer · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 07:36 AM

Honda's lean burn environmentally is mixed. It reduces the greenhouse gases and improves the fuel economy, but with increased NO2 gases (which seems to be considered the greater evil). For this reason, I won't be suprize if Honda does not make another lean burn engine after the Insight.

AZCivic · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 04:46 PM

Well, keep in mind it wasn't just the Insight. They applied it to two generations of Civic HX as well as the HCH-I, at least for non-CA emissions models. I agree though, I wouldn't expect to see lean burn with port fuel injection ever again. They might try it after the transition to direct injection, but probably never on port FI again.

Sledge · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 05:35 PM

The Insight is Tier 2 Bin 5. The Civic GX and Hybrid are Tier 2 Bin 2 which is lower in emissions.

Delta Flyer · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 06:35 PM

I stand corrected - Civics can also lean burn as AZCivic mentioned. Hope Honda can do more on cylinder deactivation or the HCCI engine.

78% nitrogen sure does complicate making a clean engine, but I guess it's better than a 100% oxygen atmosphere. The first campfire and the human race could have been toast.