Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
While the US struggles with the electric revolution and ehem trying to make cars that are more energy efficient, the folks in Europe are driving around in either high MPG Diesels or LPG enabled models or even in the case of Volvo hybrid Diesel/electric that retains its performance.
So for example DH drives a Volvo V50 2.5 Turbo which gets @ 28MPG (US) which gives about 350 miles to a tank.
In the UK you can buy a Volvo V60 1.6 Deisel which gets @65MPG (UK gallons) 52 US/MPG which gives about 970 miles to a tank.
This isn't the only example there's there VW Golf TDI that gets around 67MPG
They even have diesel JEEPs that aren't available to the domestic market.
So why don't we get these models over here? I don't want to hear about the US regulations blah blah blah .. European diesel has always been cleaner than the stuff for sale over here, cars in the UK and Europe have stringent emissions testing which would leave some states in the dark ages (Michigan I'm talking about you). Its not about build quality or about how high the bloody bumpers (fenders) are ... so what the heck is going on ???
The short answer, as noted above: The US diesel emission regulations are both different and much more difficult to meet than the European regulations. The European regulations are strict, but the technology is already available to meet them--the Europeans necessarily recognize the balance between achieving lower emissions and maintaining excellent fuel economy. The US EPA does not. The EPA (and CARB in California) will adopt emission regulations that actually REDUCE fuel economy--not for a second taking into account that all the additional pollution created from wellhead to exhaust pipe caused by burning more fuel.
If you like diesels and you live in the US, you'd better buy one in the next year or so because no one has really figured out how to meet the next generation of diesel emission standards that are coming in the US for cars and light trucks .
I can't help but feel the oil industry also has something to do with this. It wouldn't benefit them to have cars using less fuel eh ?
Its kind of sad when you look at it, the US is struggling to keep up with the rest of the world with the 'green' revolution and the big companies hand in pocket with the government aren't helping at all.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,260,275 times
Reputation: 57825
The combination of love for big vehicles, and cheap gas here keep the mileage lower here and will continue to do so despite recent EPA regulations. At the current prices of about $3.50/gallon here in one of the highest priced areas of the US, we are still at about half of what it costs in Europe. I have one 4-banger that gets 30 mpg but also 2 4x4 SUVs.
Look at the local shopping center lot and you see 20 SUVs for every hybrid.
We have also grown accustomed to cars that actually go somewhere when you step on the go pedal.
Gas is cheap here.
Unfortunately, certifying a diesel engine to U.S. emissions standards is not.
Finally, by the time you make a "small" car crash-worthy by U.S. government standards, the added weight diminishes its fuel economy compared to comparable segment vehicles sold elsewhere around the world.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
