Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:18:58 -0600
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Ford Galaxy Friday
In-Reply-To: <1327159128.67136.YahooMailNeo@web39405.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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---- Anthony Egeln <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> What may become the game changer for diesel in this country is the eventual introduction of diesel
bio-fuels, i.e. algae produced diesel.
If the technology advances enough to make algael diesel competitive without subsidy, we should see more diesel
cars. It is my understanding that non-petroleum diesel is better on emissions than gas.
National Geographic article a month or so ago, out of University of Arizona, found that diesel derived from algae will continue to cost something like 100x what petroleum derived diesel does for the foreseeable future, even as petroleum costs soar. Good article though, explains a great deal about the mechanics involved in producing biofuel from algae.
Regardless of costs involved, biofuel still has to have a place to grow, whether algae, grass, corn, or whatever. Yes, algae can be grown in places that field crops cannot, but it requires water for both a growing medium and processing. Grow it in the desert? Sure, and get the water from where? Grow it at sea? Maybe, a thought not addressed in the National Geographic article. Nutrients become a consideration then (nutrients are scarce in sea water, that's why it is blue, not green).
Interesting subject, but not likely to result in an unlimited supply of fuel any time soon.
mcneely
Cheers, Anthony
'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)
________________________________
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2012 7:58 AM
Subject: Re: Ford Galaxy Friday
I think there are a number of forces preventing Diesels from being popular here. Things are getting worse as the price of Diesel is often more than gasoline and that trend will get even worse with the increasing requirements to clean the fuel up. Being in the Northeast I would hate to have to heat my house with fuel oil. My son just bought a new Jetta and try as may I was not able to convince him to go TDI. The upcharge and his desire for speed had him choose the GLI. From experience with motorhome if I get another one it will probably be gas. The increased maintenance costs of the Diesel have been painful. A major problem in the US with auto Diesels in the increased emissions. From 2004 to 2007 new ones were illegal here in NY due to the emissions. So why would manufacturers develop a vehicle that may not even be allowed? As hybrid technology goes down in cost I think that will be the major player in the fuel economy war.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2012 5:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Ford Galaxy Friday
take a look here at the mpg figures. Why, why, why can't we get some sense here in the U.S.? mcneely
http://greenautochoice.com/cmp/minivan-cmp-chrys-01.htm
---- "fonman4277@comcast.net" <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> Folks, I am sitting in traffic behind a Ford Galaxy minivan. I've never seen anything like it, and it has a TDI badge on the back. not a model I've ever seen before here in the united states, it has virginia tags, not diplomatic plates. It does not appear to be brand new, as it has the typical parking lot door dings on the sides.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
--
David McNeely
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David McNeely