The Power and Transportation Future - Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Advances in Transportation and Power - page 258

carbon dioxide than producing and delivering gasoline with the same ener-
gy content. Diesels emit higher levels of particulates and oxides of nitrogen.
But, they are steadily reducing these emissions. A large amount of R&D is
currently going into diesels and it is expected that they will be able to meet
the same standards as gasoline engines in the near future.
Diesels are less than 1% of car and light truck sales in the U.S. But,
they are more popular in Europe with its high gasoline prices. Their fuel
taxes help to promote diesels and the emissions standards are less strict.
Diesels are in almost 40% of the cars in Europe. By 2001 they were in most
of the new cars sold in many European countries.
Most opinion polls show that the motorist's infatuation with au-
tomobiles does not include internal-combustion engines. Many drivers
would trade in their current car for an electric vehicle, if it could perform
as well and not cost any more. One poll of California new car buyers con-
ducted by the University of California at Davis in 1995 found that almost
half would buy an electric vehicle over a gasoline car, but they wanted a
300-mile range and a more reasonable price.
Most commuters have round-trips of 50-miles or less, but a longer
distance is important for trips and visits. Accessories such as air condi-
tioners, power windows and locks tend to limit an electric car's power
and range even more.
Cost is always a problem when vehicles are made in limited numbers
since the parts will cost more. The lithium ion batteries used in Nissan's
Altra EV were reported to cost close to six figures. Since electric cars sell
for $30,000 or more, a lease can soften the cost of the vehicle. It also iso-
lates the user from expensive battery replacements. Even these subsidized
leases required an extra $100 or more in monthly payments compared to
a more conventional vehicle. Leasing allows the manufacturers to keep
control of the vehicle for repairs and recalls. As the technology changes,
a lease keeps customers from having a 2-3 year vehicle that is out of war-
ranty with needing obsolescent, expensive parts.
ECOSTAR
The Ecostar van was Ford's first electric since the time of Thomas
Edison and Henry Ford. The Ecostar was the first electric vehicle that re-
sembled an actual production car instead of a conversion. It had a recharge
port and a battery charging meter. The Ecostar provided a pleasant driv-