Four years ago, you didn't see many hybrid cars on roads and freeways. But as more people saw how great these eco-friendly cars are and how much money they save, more and more hybrid cars are now on our roads. So much so that hybrid cars are now as common as the cars we used to drive with regular engines. But it wouldn't be surprising if new developments and innovations came out to make the hybrid technology we already have better or to make new technologies.
In the world of cars, there have been many stories and rumours about new discoveries and ideas that could change hybrid technology even more. However, many people have also asked why some already-existing technologies have not been added to the hybrid innovation. This includes the idea of a diesel hybrid.
In Europe and Asia, diesel engines have been very popular for a long time. Even though diesel engines aren't as popular in North America as they are in other parts of the world, changes have been made in the United States to get rid of the things that make them a bad choice here. Recent changes have stopped the engines from making too much smoke and making loud rattling noises. Biodiesel fuel is also becoming more popular and is seen as a way to stop natural resources like oil from running out. The new biodiesel fuel and hybrid technology seem to be a better way to solve our growing problems. Biodiesel is now cheaper than regular gasoline and also cleaner.
Even though serious research and development on diesel hybrid cars hasn't happened yet, Ford showed a diesel hybrid concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 10, 2006. It was called the Reflex sportscar by Ford. This car has a power source that uses a diesel engine, an electric motor, and solar panels all together. Also, Ford says the Reflex gets 65 miles per gallon and has all-wheel drive.
The Reflex, which could be used as a model for future diesel/electric hybrid cars, works in a way that is similar to how gas/electric hybrid cars do. It also has a hybrid battery pack that gives the car back-up power and is charged by the car's engine and the heat it makes when you brake. Ford's diesel hybrid car has lithium-ion batteries, which are the same kind used in the newest electronics like cell phones and laptops. Most hybrid cars use nickel-metal hydrite batteries because they are much cheaper, but lithium-ion batteries can hold much more power.
But the Reflex also gets power from solar cells that are built into its headlights and taillights. Ford has a patent on this technology. There are also solar cells on the roof of the car that power fans inside the car to keep it cool when it is parked in the sun.
We can only wait until there are more hybrid diesel cars on the market. We can wait until diesel fuel has the same amount of power as gasoline. But when the technology is better, diesel hybrid cars will definitely catch on, and we'll see them more often.
