Volkswagen has been
rigging its cars to pass emission tests, 11 million worldwide including mine. Rigging its cars. As in, cheating.
When this story broke
yesterday I was gobsmacked. I still am.
“A sophisticated software
algorithm on certain Volkswagen vehicles detects when the car is undergoing
official emissions testing, and turns full emissions controls on only during
the test,” the EPA said in its violation notice.
I choose my little Golf
Diesel because I wanted better monthly cash flow (fuel economy). And, because I
was motivated by my two boys to buy a car that was “good for the environment.” They
would have preferred I buy an electric or a hybrid, I felt good about the VW. I
accepted the argument that all-in environmental impact of the TDI clean diesel was on par with (or even
better) than a hybrid, once you include lifetime costs like battery recycling.
I am conflicted. I love
my little VW. I drive a lot. I put on 50,000 kilometres this year. The car is
comfortable, economical, and fun. But it’s no longer a “clean diesel.” I don’t
know how bad it is. I assume it still compares with gasoline powered economy
cars but I don’t know. It still accelerates with élan and gets fantastic fuel
economy but it’s suddenly a lot less fun to drive.
I will probably join the
class action lawsuit that is brewing.
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