How Casey Putsch Built the Most Efficient Car in the World, and Why the EPA Hates Him for It
Mar 28, 2025
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Casey Putsch, an innovative engineer and designer, has created a groundbreaking diesel car that achieves an astonishing 104 miles per gallon. He discusses the auto industry's decline and how regulatory measures stifle genuine innovation. Putsch critiques the media's lack of coverage on his car and highlights the issues with electric vehicle mandates. He also shares his journey in crowdfunding a vehicle aimed at disrupting the market, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and simplicity in automotive design.
Casey Putsch created a highly efficient diesel car achieving 104 mpg, but mainstream auto manufacturers refuse to acknowledge its potential due to regulatory biases.
The podcast highlights how excessive regulations and a shift towards consumer culture have led to stagnation in automotive innovation and quality.
Concerns are raised about the political motivations behind electric vehicle mandates, which may stifle diverse energy solutions and consumer autonomy in the automotive sector.
Deep dives
The Decline of the U.S. Auto Industry
The discussion emphasizes that the decline of the U.S. auto industry can be seen as a precursor to broader challenges facing the country. Factors contributing to this decline include excessive regulation and a loss of pride in the workforce. Many believe unions are primarily responsible, but the conversation suggests this is more of a symptom rather than the root cause. A cultural shift is implied, where companies prioritize profit over innovation, leading to a stagnation in the quality and appeal of vehicles.
Critique of Modern Automotive Culture
There is a strong critique of the consumer culture that has taken over the automotive industry, where the focus has shifted to producing new models that lack genuine improvement over older versions. The automotive landscape reflects a trend where vehicles are treated more like gadgets rather than functional machines. Cars are becoming increasingly homogenized due to regulations, stifling true innovation and creative design. The speaker argues that the 1980s and 1990s produced some of the best cars, which are still unmatched in today's market.
Concerns Over Electric Vehicles
While acknowledging the role of electric vehicles in the future of transportation, concerns are raised about the political pressures driving this transition, suggesting that they are not a complete solution. The argument states that government regulations are pushing electric vehicles without adequately considering issues like infrastructure and energy sources. Additionally, the view presented is that innovation is being stifled in favor of a political agenda rather than genuine environmental concern. This perspective highlights the need for a more balanced approach to vehicle technology that embraces various energy sources.
The Omega Car: An Innovative Solution
The speaker introduces the concept of the Omega car, designed to achieve over 100 miles per gallon using a diesel engine while offering performance comparable to high-end sports cars. It was built with efficiency in mind, utilizing aerodynamic design and lightweight materials to enhance fuel economy. Despite achieving these impressive numbers, the car has largely been ignored by mainstream automotive media, suggesting a bias against diesel technology. This innovation emphasizes the potential for practical solutions in the automotive industry that prioritize affordability and sustainability.
The Battle Against Regulatory Control
There is a strong commentary on how increasing regulations related to emissions and safety have hindered the automotive industry's capacity for innovation. The fear is that these regulations may evolve to restrict consumer ownership and control over vehicles, which could lead to more reliance on manufacturers for maintenance and repairs. This situation raises concerns about the loss of individual autonomy, where cars could be controlled by government authorities or corporations. The talk calls for a reevaluation of the underlying principles guiding automotive regulation to support craftsmanship and consumer rights.
Casey Putsch designed a diesel car that gets 104 miles per gallon – New York to LA on one tank – and goes zero to sixty in five seconds. But no car company wants to make it. Why is that?
(00:00) Why Is the Auto Industry Dying?
(11:23) How Putsch Built One of the Most Efficient Cars in the World
(15:52) Dieselgate and EPA Corruption
(20:00) The Problem With Electric Vehicle Mandates
(30:44) Why the Media Is Pretending Putsch’s Car Doesn’t Exist
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