Siemens could help Ford to become the first company with a diesel hybrid car or truck. Siemens VDO division acquired the electric drivetrain business from Ballard Power Systems to boost its efforts in developing hybrid electric vehicles.
Siemens VDOpreviously has worked with Ford on the Mercury Meta One diesel-electric Hybrid concept car that was first displayed in 2005. While Ford hasn't committed to commercializing the vehicle, doing so would surely be a Bold Move to be first.
Diesel hybrid technology has proven practical for shuttling passengers by bus and train for many years, so it is a question of when not if. Any diesel hybrid would have to offer at least 30-40 percent more fuel economy for consumers to justify the added cost, which could be in the $4,000 range or higher.
Also in contention would be someone creating a low-cost sedan using the technology recently announced by Zytek. The European market would be the most likely place to launch since diesels are on par with gasoline engines there, and you can even recharge your batteriesfor free in London.
Toyota says it will have a diesel hybrid by 2010, while Honda says the economics of adding an electric drive to the more expensive enginedoesn't make sense. GM is focusing on its dual mode hybrid technology for gasoline engines, so I'm doubtful that they'll throw a diesel engine into the mix.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll hear some important news on this subject in about two weeks.
