Biodiesel vs. Hybrid Automobiles
Seems like lots of eco-conscious folks are making the decision lately to buy a biodiesel or a hybrid car. Without even knowing which is better, isn’t it cool that people actually care?
But which is better, and by what measure(s)? (skip to the end for the answer)
I don’t know the answer, but I’d love to see a holistic comparison of the choices available. I did find a few links that may be helpful if you are thinking about something besides a plain-old gas auto.
New life journal looks at the more practical aspects of the choice at hand
worldchanging.com ponders diesel vs. hybrid vs. gasoline emissions
various sightline.org biodiesel posts
even more biodiesel vs. hybrid
Let’s make it even more interesting by throwing vegetable oil (an alternative fuel that Rudolf Diesel was especially interested in) into the mix:
grist.org on hybrids vs. veggie oil cars
THE ANSWER
Drive less. Move closer to where you work, buy stuff, and the people you want to spend time with.
Yeah, okay, you still need a car. So get a turbo-diesel! I chose one for the following reasons:
- efficient, simple, long-lasting engine
- proven technology
- possibility to convert to straight or waste vegetable oil fuel
- reduces our dependency on fossil fuels
- extremely low emissions
- availability of biodiesel in Seattle is good
Good luck!