Diesel: A cleaner option?

In a previous blog, we discussed hybrid vehicles and their pros and cons. Diesel is another alternative fuel that may give you improved fuel economy, plus more diesel vehicles are making their way into the marketplace.

Modern diesel engines have come a long way since the smelly, noisy oil burners of the 1970s. They get great fuel economy, but now are much quieter, more powerful and about as clean as most gasoline engines.

In 2006, the government required cleaner diesel fuel, called ultra-low sulfur diesel, which in turn allowed automakers to install emissions control devices such as catalytic converters on diesel cars. Other technology, such as high- pressure, common-rail direct injection and turbocharging have boosted power and reduced diesels’ tendency to rattle like marbles in a can.

In addition, any diesel engine can run on biodiesel, a fuel made from the oil of soybeans, rapeseed, or other biomass. These vegetable oils are treated with lye to make them more viscous. The result is a nontoxic, nonexplosive, and biodegradable fuel that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel.

With an additional fuel system and tank, older diesel engines can also run on vegetable oil and even recycled vegetable oil from restaurant fryers, for example.

In some European countries, diesels account for more than half of all new car sales.

Pros Diesels get about 30 percent better fuel-economy than gasoline powered cars and have lots of pulling-power, called torque. Many diesel engines also have a reputation for durability, because they are built with heavier components to withstand higher compression.

Cons Diesels often cost more to buy than similar gasoline-powered models, and diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. New models that use urea injection to reduce emissions have to have this system refilled with each oil change. Despite becoming more popular, diesel is still only available at about 30 percent of U.S. gas stations.

For more information on alternative fuels and fuel economy, see our Guide to driving green.

Comments

[everett whitney]

Newest Diesels ...

Whenever there has been sufficient quantities of the latest versions purchased, there'll be "shocks" concerning the relative costs for the required, periodic "inspections, servicing, etc.," of the urea injection, particulate filters, & other assorted controls now required to make these newest engines pass EPA muster !

There will "go" much of the 30 % increase in fuel economies, to leave naught to pay for the added costs for a diesel engine version in the first place.

everett whitney

[Greg Zdeb]

Another thought to keep in mind with diesels is the cold weather issues. Newer engines will probably not be an issue but as they age, cold starting can be more of an issue than a gas engine. Another cold weather concern is blended fuels. In extreme cold, buying fuel that is blended correctly can be issue. Personally the higher costs seems to negate the improved miles per gallon so for cold weather areas diesels offer little benefit.

[melville248]

Diesel cars have come a long way. My brother had a Peugeot (early eighties) and it was loud, dirty and smelly. I did not enjoy being in or near this car. This past summer we had the pleasure of spending some time in Italy and rented a Diesel Pasat Wagon, it was so quiet and drove beautifully. I would have no problem driving a diesel.