How About a Hybrid Ridgeline?

[grego9877]

Am I the only one out here hoping Honda will put out a hybrid Ridgeline in time for my inevitable trade in?

I don't see much buzz about hybrids in this forum. Is there some reason why a hybrid Ridgeline wouldn't be a good solution (or at least partial solution) to its milage problems?

As to the buzz about a diesel Ridgeline, more power to those for whom that is a good solution, but with the amount of driving I do to unfamiliar parts of my metropolitan area, I just can't deal with 7 out of 10 gas stations (my semi-informed guesstimate for Los Angeles County) not having a diesel pump --- and those that do usually only having one diesel hose.

[BigDaddyStone]

Here Here I think that would be a great solution for the weak MPG. But you're right,I haven't heard much talk about it.

[kanji]

Is plaussible, that honda will follow Toyota's lead in intergrating hybrid tech in all their vehicles, like toyota. Isn't honda the leading in High gas milage engine built cars, vans, and trucks? in comparable to similar size, honda is in the lead?

I'm hoping and wish honda perfects its FCX car and technology to be applied to Honda Ridgeline, Odysse, and accords. That would be sweet deal, to fuel up with hydrogen and the exhaust will only be water vapors or water.

[k757]

All these companies can keep their hybrids. They are just band-aids. If you talk diesel, then you might be onto something

[shovelhd]

Band-aids, yes, but you can't argue with the gas mileage. 27mpg out of a Pilot sized vehicle is impressive, and you can buy it today.

[wrenrj1]

Originally Posted by k757

All these companies can keep their hybrids. They are just band-aids. If you talk diesel, then you might be onto something

How so? diesel is already more expensive than gasoline, and the more vehicles produced that burn diesel will increase demand, thus prices will go even higher for diesel and everything we buy that's transported by trucks, trains, etc.

We live in a domino world. The Ethanol boom is a good example. Look at the price of food due to Ethanol production increasing the cost of corn. Bottom line is we need to get off of fossil fuels. Most people travel under 20 miles to/from work every day, not considering those who need work trucks etc, electric vehicles would suffice.

Saw an article about Utah's LNG Honda's...How about a LNG Ridgeline?

[djeaux]

Originally Posted by k757

All these companies can keep their hybrids. They are just band-aids. If you talk diesel, then you might be onto something

I've done the calculations, Keith, based on what my dealer told me the likely "premium" would be for a diesel mill in a Ridgeline and the current difference between 87 octane unleaded gasoline & diesel. I figured it would take a number of years beyond the typical car loan to reach payback. (I don't buy the "diesel" will resell better argument when we're talking a length of time during which you'll start to see rubber parts deteriorating, etc. In short, I think diesel is a band aid, too, intended to assuage folks who don't do the math or think they need big torque.)

[Rodek]

If a Hybrid were available, my urrent Ridge would be traded in. Currently, it's parked due to the poor fuel economy and high gas prices. It pains me to no end. I wish Honda would buy it back or swap me for a Civic Hybrid. I love Hondas and will continue to drive them. Just not the Ridge.

[k757]

Originally Posted by djeaux

I've done the calculations, Keith, based on what my dealer told me the likely "premium" would be for a diesel mill in a Ridgeline and the current difference between 87 octane unleaded gasoline & diesel. I figured it would take a number of years beyond the typical car loan to reach payback. (I don't buy the "diesel" will resell better argument when we're talking a length of time during which you'll start to see rubber parts deteriorating, etc. In short, I think diesel is a band aid, too, intended to assuage folks who don't do the math or think they need big torque.)

For the Ridgeline, I doubt if the costs will balance out, but for the cars, it will. I'll take the VW Jetta for example.

'08 Jetta gas gets 21/29 mpg, 100k miles will need 4000 gallons
'09 Jetta diesel will get 45/55, 100k miles will need 2000 gallons

Now the answer will be, how much will fuel prices climb? That will determine how much of a savings there is or not, even if diesel is $1 more per gallon

[djeaux]

Originally Posted by k757

Now the answer will be, how much will fuel prices climb? That will determine how much of a savings there is or not, even if diesel is $1 more per gallon

The real determinant is the difference between gasoline & diesel prices. As long as the difference remains fairly constant, the savings will remain fairly constant. My last set of calculations indicated that diesel would cost about two cents () less per mile than gasoline, assuming the predicted fuel economy & price premium for the diesel engine. Over a 100K mile ownership, the diesel would save $2000 compared with gasoline, but the diesel engine would make the truck cost $3000-4000 more. So you'd have to drive the vehicle 150-200K miles to break even. Although that's well within the normal range for both gas & diesel engines, most owners trade well before that point...