Already, across the pond, there are vehicles that are capable of attaining 70 mpg's. Obviously, what is created here pales in comparison to what is being manufactured in Europe. It is a shame that we have not embraced the diesel engine yet. I guess, seeing as how there are a number of people who's concern for the environment trumps their concern for their fellow man, that I should not be surprised. But what if you could look past that dirty diesel engine that gets almost double the most efficient gas engine engineers can come up with and look for ward to that dirty diesel engine with an electric motor. Yes, the future is now. Yes, now there is an opportunity to couple fuel economy with concern for the environment. A miracle you say? How about good common sense with a diesel engine attached.
This is really all you need to know when it comes to biodiesel. How it works, why it works, and why it is a great alternative source of fuel.
Unfortunately, it only deals with biodiesel originating with plants and the food we eat. With recent advances in technology, it will soon be feasible to create biodiesel from nothing more than animal and plant waste. Obviously, this presents a solution to a number of problems. By using everything possible from a plant or animal, the cost of production will drop. This, in turn, will make it more marketable. The slight decrease in power and fuel economy will be less important as the fuel itself drops in price. The environment will not be as affected by the emissions becuase less and less petrol fuel will have to be used.
Some tweaks to gasoline engines are required to use any kind of biodiesel. The first link explains all of it in detail. What is note worthy, however, is that diesel engines are good to go off the lot. Not only do they have the ability to run on biodiesel, but they can also run on pure used vegetable oil. Yeah, impressive.
If diesel were to be cleaner, there is no doubt in my mind that it would become more popular. There are a bunch of people who think that it is going to seriously harm the planet, so they ban it.
They claim it is related to heatlth issues, and if there is a high concentration that is possible. However, they are hurting the consumer, the driving force of this economy. They are being forced to buy alternative energy vehicles that are more expensive and new. Since they are so new, it is hard to tell how long they will last or what their resale value will be.
Fortunately, clean diesel does exist, and as you can tell they get better gas milage as well. This is a revolution.
If you read through the entire article, you will discover that the engine they are talking about is not even a hybrid diesel. As one reader points out, "How about Diesel hybrids? Wouldn't they out perform even the diesels..." You see, cars that are appraoching 100 mpg are on the horizon. With that comes a reduction on our need to import foreign oil and gives us a chance to achieve energy independence.
I guess we can thank the weak economy for this one. Even with OPEC trying to increase the price by cutting the supply there is just no one buying.
I did some research to follow up one on my last post. The reason countries like Venezuela are pushing to cut supply is because they have a lower quality oil. So, when the supply goes down even less is bought from them.
I guess if you look at the gas prices, you'll notice that diesel is still about three dollars a gallon. This is expected, I guess. I'm still puzzled why people are so against diesel.
Here is a link to Bloomberg.com in case you are wondering what oil is doing today.
Yes, it is happening. OPEC is limiting production to boost oil prices. Something smells fishy. Again, a simple case of supply and demand. We are a country that relies on foreign oil. Our demand went down due to the economic crisis so in order to keep up their revenue they just cut the supply. We still need it and they are still selling it, it is just going to get more expensive now. May I also suggest you look at the countries pushing for a cut in production. I'm just saying... something smells fishy. Eventually, people are going to have to realize that there could be a cheaper alternative to gasoline. If more people used diesel the price would fall. Most likely below the price of gas.
Groups such as Green Peace claim to be all about the environment. "Save the trees", they say. "Save the polar bears", they say. "Stop using gasoline", they say. They seem to be missing something though, one world. One very, very important word. You.
Add that to what they say and it loses some of it's charm, wouldn't you agree? "You save the trees, You save the polar bears, You stop using gasoline."
"What are you taking about, they are doing more for the environment then anyone else!" Really? Is that your argument? If they are so concerned about the environment, why won't they let us drill off shore? More oil is released into the ocean through natural fissures in the ground than by human means. That can be reduced if we drill and relieve the pressure. Interesting isn't it. Here is another one: China is now the largest polluter in the world, but they are drilling right of our coast with Cuba. Not once has anyone come out to condemn this. Ok, you want something else? One of the most liberal Senators in Congress would not let wind farms be built eight miles from his house, out in the ocean because he might be able to see it. Yes, that just happened.
It seems that these sorts of people are OK with asking the rest of the population to make sacrifices, but don't you dare expect the same from them.
While the rest of us are trying to fuel up our cars, they are being chauffeured around in air conditioned SUV's... even the mighty Al Gore, messiah of the greenies. Check out the link on the right if you do not believe me.
What does all this have to do with diesel? Oh, I don't know how about better reliability + better fuel efficiency vs. "(you) don't use diesel, it is bad for the environment." You be the judge.
I think it is important to take a break from any bickering to address a very important issue. The economy is in bad shape. This bailout was a questionable decision. Tough times are ahead.
Here are some disturbing facts: China has suspended loans to the U.S. (they are our second largest loaner), Iran has called us a "crumbling empire", liberal Hollywood has come out to say that Democrats are to share in the blame, 700 billion (yes, with a "b") dollars of your money was just used to bailout irresponsible companies.
These are all disturbing facts that some people are just not paying attention too. We as a country are facing hard times ahead and we need to recognize that now. Earlier would have been better, but we are (and it is most likely true) past the point of no return.
During hard times it is important to ration resources and make appropriate sacrifices. Take heed of what is happening in our world and act accordingly. Educate yourselves on the policies of those in government and those around the world. Our economy is linked with others across the ocean. We must realize that we are not securely sitting on the top any more. It is time that we, as American, start acting like this country and the freedoms we are granted are worth something.
