Cummins, one of the world’s leading diesel engine maker, has joined forces with Tula Technology, a California start-up, to explore a sophisticated cylinder deactivation system that could solve the conundrum. If it’s proven, the result would be a diesel engine that could reach a near-zero emissions level.
By 2015, Toyota will be selling 21 hybrids globally. The Prius family will expand beyond the current four models: Liftback, Compact C, Crossover V, and Plugin. I was once asked, “Why would anyone buy a hybrid when you can’t cost-justify the premium?” I paid about a $4,000 premium to buy my 2002 Prius, and then sold it seven years later for a $3,000 premium. The Prius had saved me over $5,000 in gasoline when gas was cheaper than today.