For the last decade, fuel mileage has become an important selling point for many cars on the market. Consumers are looking for a car with all the bells and whistles, but also cars that can save the consumer money over the long term from fuel costs. Because of this, car companies have been split into two camps when it comes to fuel mileage: those who focus on more efficient ways of utilizing typical fuels for motor vehicles and those who are investing in alternative fuels to power cars. On the market now are two types of vehicles that claim to help consumers save on fuel costs. One vehicle type is the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) vehicles and the hybrid car vehicles. Let’s see how each compare to one another.
What They Are
TDI vehicles utilize diesel fuel over conventional gasoline. There have been diesel powered vehicles for decades, but a TDI engine does something different. It compresses the diesel and then directly sprays the compressed fuel (alongside highly compressed air) into the combustion chamber. As a result, the engine is rapidly powered by the combustion, leading to high power engine that does not require as much fuel as normal. A hybrid vehicle, however, is an engine that combines an electric battery with a conventional gasoline engine. Hybrids are powered from electrical fuel outlets that provide high electrical power to a battery. In addition, the car owner can fill their car with conventional gasoline. But, because there is a battery cell that can fully energize the car, the hybrid car can last longer a full tank of gasoline than other vehicles.
Pollution
One variable that has helped spawn better energy efficiency motor vehicles is the fact that most people are concerned about pollution from motor vehicles. A TDI engine is built with improvements to the catalytic convertor and a gas recirculation unit that helps to minimize CO2 emissions from the vehicle. However, unlike conventional gasoline, combusting diesel fuel produces nitrous oxide (NOx) as a greenhouse gas. Hybrid cars use conventional gas, but with the battery, the fuel put into the car lasts a lot longer. By conserving energy and utilizing both gas and electricity as a fuel, the car emits a lower rate of CO2 compared to a non-hybrid car. This saves money in a consumer’s wallet and helps reduce the demand for fossil fuels on a macro-level.
Efficiency and Power
Consumers worry how efficient these alternative fuel vehicles are. A TDI engine, with its rapid combustion of diesel, gives the consumer immense power with little demand of fuel. Although hybrid cars definitely are fuel efficient, their power rankings are relatively low. The engine in a hybrid car has to be smaller to make room for the battery. But, combining the small engine with the big battery does little for power performance.
Handling and Driving Experience
TDI engines are built for power, so many drivers may like feeling in control of a powerful engine. However, TDI engines are quick loud and are even considered louder than a conventional engine. Hybrid cars have a design flaw that makes their handling and driving experience sub-par. The weight of the battery and the small engine increases the weight, which minimizes support in the suspension. Some hybrid car makers try to distribute weight better by having the battery in the back of the car. Nevertheless, how the hybrid car is built can really impact how it feels on the road.
Conclusion
Like any product, a TDI engine car and a hybrid vehicle has pros and cons to them. Many of the variables listed can ultimately determine if the person wants the vehicle in the first place. Knowing what the factors are with each of these vehicles can help a consumer make a decision on the type of car they want.