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Diesel-electric vs. gasoline-electric hybrids

 
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DE60LF




Joined: 03 Oct 2007
Posts: 142
Location: Albuquerque, NM

PostPosted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 2:26 pm    Post subject: Diesel-electric vs. gasoline-electric hybrids Reply with quote

I have noticed that gasoline-electric hybrid buses have been gaining popularity, particularly in southern California. This is because of the emission laws there, where TAs are prohibited from purchasing any form of diesel bus whether it is a diesel-electric hybrid or ULSD. Therefore they are required to either use CNG, LNG, or gasoline-electric hybrid.

Now the question is: are gasoline-electric buses really cleaner than diesel-electric buses? By design, a diesel-electric hybrid bus should be more efficient. ULSD is now available, and is claimed to have emissions as clean as, if not cleaner, than CNG. Combine that with hybrid technology and you get ultra-low emissions.

Also, how does a gasoline-electric hybrid bus perform compared to a diesel-electric? Diesel engines usually deliver more torque, which could explain why nobody currently offers a gasoline-electric articulated bus. New Flyer introduced the first gasoline-electric hybrid buses (GE40LF) to the US, followed by NABI.
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Cyberider




Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 501
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 10:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Interesting questions that deserve factual answers. Wish I knew. It seems that we are getting poorer, but much more expensive, buses these days on account of government regulations that may or may not be doing what they claim. It seems we've given up the freedom of choice in order to get government money. Sad
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Q65A



Age: 66
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 1764
Location: Central NJ

PostPosted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 6:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I too have wondered why gas-electric hybrids would be attractive.
To me, diesel engines are very robust machines that last a long time, and can be rebuilt efficiently to last even longer. They do produce high torque at low RPM, and they usually are more fuel efficient than comparably sized gas engines.
Diesel fuel is not nearly as flammable as gasoline is.
Perhaps the recent high prices of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (particularly on the West Coast) have made gas engines more attractive by comparison.
Additionally, an electric drive train has very high starting torque, even at 0 RPM, even if coupled to a gas engine of modest size.
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