AutoblogGreen

"After all that technology and clean-up, don't electric cars seem that much more exciting as green technology?"

Sure. And if you can get battery energy density to within even an order of magnitude of that of liquid fuels you might even get widespread acceptance of EVs.

Though if you're among the unlucky many whose power comes from old coal plants whose owners spend millions in bribes (I mean, lobbying) to avoid New Source Review then all this exhaust treatment business might sound like a good thing.

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Having been to both the LA and now the NAIAS (i.e. Detroit) I think that LA has emerged as the autoshow for alternative fuels whereas they seemed to be given short shrift attention in Detroit where they are still peddling the biggest vehicles they can. Toyota, arguably the leader in alternative fuel vehicles, did not even highlight them, rather they had twelve Tundras. I would submit that until the "industry" (which is really who the NAIAS is catering to) understands that consumers want alternative vehicles, it will be nothing but a pipe dream, similar to GM's hydrogen concept car which I fear will go the way of the EV-1.

I have a lot of picture of both the LA and NAIAS auto shows, including the engine of the BMW (which I was fortunate enough to test drive in LA) at my Flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltersfamily/sets/72157594470298251/

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Jeremy- put your glasses on- your view is a little near sited. EVs are great if you live in San Diego and never go anywhere. As soon as you ad serious HVAC demands to the equation, not to mention winter weather, EVs soon loose their luster. Diesel remains the best solutions for those who cover large distances on a regular basis. EV's, plug-in Hybrids and FCVs may well be part of the energy solution, but for many of us, diesel offers a better way sooner rather than much later.

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"After all that technology and clean-up, don't electric cars seem that much more exciting as green technology?"
Yes! I can't wait to tool around the links at the club, after I drive there in my twin-turbo BMW diesel!

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Clean diesels have a lot go in their favor. As stated above most of those EV are well suited for the South West USA but for the rest of the counry we need heating and A/C which really cuts in to the range of current EVs. EVs just are not a practical solution for most people.
Some of the european manufactures (GM/OPEL) have working concept cars that deliver way over 100 mpg. That technology is available right now.

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If clean diesel is this advanced, the next step, I would think, would be to try diesel/electric hybrids. If you can do it with gas ICE, why not a small high mileage diesel?

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