Conclusion

The recent re-birth of the diesel vehicle, as a biodiesel vehicle that is powered by a plant based fuel and the development of the hybrid vehicle leaves the environmentally conscious consumer with more options. Many consumers find the hybrid vehicle quite alluring with its promises of high fuel efficiency and a reduced impact upon the environment. The hybrid vehicle has also become a symbol of social status.  The biodiesel vehicle offers the consumer the unique opportunity to fuel his/her car with an alternative to petroleum.

For some consumers this might be a difficult choice.  However the environmental and social benefits of a biodiesel vehicle greatly outweigh the benefits of a hybrid vehicle.  While the air quality emissions for a hybrid are impressive, the zero net emissions for a biodiesel are even more impressive.  A biodiesel also prevents dependency on foreign oil which leads to another slew of environmental and social problems.  Biodiesel can be produced in an environmentally sustainable manner while petroleum cannot be.  The biodiesel vehicle is very more environmentally sustainable in every aspect.  As of right now the hybrid is more feasible than the biodiesel vehicle due to the readily accessible fuel and a more steady supply of vehicles.  However, if a truly conscientious consumer can spend the time to find a diesel vehicle, the positive externalities that come from purchasing a biodiesel vehicle will greatly offset any costs that go into obtaining the vehicle.