Hybrids, Diesels and ‘Green’ Fuels Remain Big Issues in the Automotive World; Diesels to Surge in 2009

A University of Alabama engineering professor predicts hybrids, diesels and biofuels will remain the big issues in the automotive market for 2008.

Dr. Clark Midkiff, professor of mechanical engineering and director of UA’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies, says the average American has become more sensitive to the impact cars and trucks have on our economy, environment and security. In addition, the interaction between spiraling oil costs and increasing imports is strongly related to the declining dollar.

“Our federal government is essentially paralyzed due to election year politics and is afraid to make controversial changes to reduce our dependence on foreign oil or to provide economic incentives to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The crystal ball will remain cloudy until a new administration occupies the White House,” says Midkiff.

The outlook for hybrids and diesels continues to be strong.

“Hybrid electrics will continue to sell well, although the frenzy has ebbed as consumers get used to paying $3 per gallon of gasoline and have been lulled to complacency by the past year’s lack of hurricanes and other oil supply disruptions,” says Midkiff. “Although it has been a long time coming, diesel-powered automobiles will surge in the next two years as carmakers introduce new vehicles that meet the strict new emissions standards.”

Another trend that will grow is the use of domestic-sourced, non-petroleum fuels. Biofuels are the bulk of this segment at present. Next year, the United States will produce more than 500,000 barrels per day of ethanol. The big challenge for biofuels during the next several years is to switch to non-food crops, such as cellulose or algae, as the primary feedstock.

“There is growing federal and private venture capital investment in this area, but biofuels amount to less than four percent of our petroleum use, so there is a long way to go,” says Midkiff.

Another emerging domestic vehicle power source is electricity. Chevrolet has introduced the Volt concept car, a plug-in hybrid electric that can cruise 40 miles on its electric charge before switching to conventional internal combustion engine power. “The Volt provoked a tremendous positive response, but commercial introduction awaits improved battery performance,” Midkiff says.