More Competition For The Prius

[DrCez]

I came across this article the other day:

Geneva Motor Show 2011: Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid concept shows 150mpg potential

www.which.co.uk/news/2011/...volvo-v60-plug-in-243451

"[Volvo] says we can expect to see a Volvo Plug-In Hybrid in dealerships in 2012. This is the same year the plug-in version of the Toyota Prius will go on sale, so it remains to be seen which will reach UK shores first."

"The hybrid's 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel provides 212hp and drives the front wheels, while a 70hp Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) powers the rear wheels. With a 12 kWh lithium-ion Battery pack, the ERAD gives the Volvo an electric-only range of up to 32 miles."

Peugeot are also planning to launch a 4WD diesel hybrid this year (www.biodieselmagazine.com/...-fires-up).

Whatever your opinion of diesel engines, to me a diesel hybrid always seemed to be a logical development for the European market. Considering the above plus offerings like the Vauxhall Ampera the next couple of years should be pretty interesting in terms of technology development, and should keep Mr T on his toes!

[Seamaster73]

Absolutely. It's not healthy for pricing or innovation that Toyota has all but had this market to themselves for the last few years.

[Grumpy Cabbie]

I'll believe it when I see it.

Some say that a diesel hybrid will give better economy but then aren't diesel engines more expensive to start with and then the cost of diesel fuel is more expensive too. You'd have to be doing a heck of a lot of miles OR the diesel hybrid would need to be super super efficient for it to be worthwhile.

That's before you consider the issues of how to get the car to start and stop so frequently and reliably and within emissions.

Or maybe diesel is best left for trucks and trains!

[Doesn'tExist]

And not to mention the additional weight a diesel already adds to a vehicle and that is before the batteries...

Saying that though, the thought of that D5 with hybrid drive and (subjective I know) stunning styling of the vehicle, that could be an interesting contender for a next vehicle