There are heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses and there are even heavier-duty diesel railway locomotives. So, why not diesel for automobiles?
This is not some newfangled idea. It was at one time, but not anymore.
The difference today is that diesel cars are cleaner – much cleaner – than their forerunners. How much more?
Diesel Technology Forum Executive Director Allen R. Schaeffer in “Are hybrids the best ‘green’ bet for motorists? No: New diesels go further on a tank, are greener” declares, “Gone are the clatter and smoke, and wheezy slow performance. They’ve been replaced with clean, quiet and fun to drive cars.”
And that latest generation of diesel automobiles, like other diesel autos, new and old alike, can run on “a blend of biodiesel fuel,” according to Schaeffer.
“Whatever the generation [baby boomer, X, millenial], the resurgence of the diesel car in the U.S. comes at a critical time, because the 30 percent fuel efficiency advantage of diesel over gasoline means using more diesels will reduce demand for petroleum and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases,” so adds Schaeffer.
And who driving today would not appreciate going 600-to-700-plus-miles on a single tank of gas before having to stop again to refuel?
The downside, if there is one is that prices for diesel in recent times “have been 20 or 30 cents more per gallon than gasoline,” as Schaeffer pointed out.
Will the percentage of diesel automobiles on U.S. roads grow significantly? Stay tuned.
Diesel: It isn’t just for trucks, buses and locomotives anymore. Was it ever?
Image above: Pearson Scott Foresman
Published by Alan Kandel
Thank you very much for this post, Everyday we see huge change and progress
Diesel cars are generally more expensive to buy and to service than petrol cars. However, the long-term savings in fuel costs means that diesel-fuelled cars work out a great deal cheaper.