Many questions crop up when choosing a fuel type for a new vehicle. What is more eco-friendly? What should we stay clear of? Diesel fuel, at least in the U.S., is commonly passed over.
However, diesel fuel should always be considered, especially now that bestselling models like the Ford F-150 offer diesel models. It’s a reasonably sustainable option and eco-friendly choice for those who are trying to cut down on their carbon footprint.
Diesel: For the Eco-Friendly
Diesel is actually a reasonable choice for those who are trying to become more environmentally conscious while not making the challenging leap to electric. In fact, diesel fuel engines are more efficient than traditional gasoline engines.
Diesel fuel engines are 40% efficient, meaning that 40% of it actually moves the car. The rest is lost to friction, heat, and even engine noise. This is compared to traditional gasoline, where only 20% goes to moving the vehicle. Diesel fuel cars are a great choice for long-distance or highway driving.
Diesel is also better at higher altitudes. In fact, diesel fuel goes a lot farther than gasoline when it comes to higher elevations. This is because at higher altitudes the air is much thinner, which is a problem for gasoline vehicles. Diesel fuel engines thrive on thinner altitudes due to the air-to-water molecule ratio helping maximize its performance.
Diesel is also a great choice for those who are trying to become more eco-friendly because it produces much less carbon dioxide. In fact, when it comes to carbon emissions, diesel is a better option because it produces fewer emissions than traditional gasoline.
Other Surprising Diesel Myths and Facts
Diesel is the underdog in the U.S. because of the many misconceptions about it. For example, diesel is much more popular than one might think. In fact, in 2012, the United States produced 969 million gallons of it! This is compared to a 2002 statistic, where it was reported that only 10 million gallons were produced. These numbers are expected to rise even more into the year 2020.
Diesel fuel engines run more efficiently and can get higher mileage to the gallon when comparing to traditional gasoline-run vehicles. Diesel is also cheaper, since the technology for it is already very well researched and therefore well developed.
Diesel is often thought of as impure or dirty by many. However, this may not necessarily be as true as once originally thought. Currently, the United States EPA has strict requirements on diesel engines that are similar to traditional gasoline engines. Some carmakers even provide diesel filters that remove visible smoke and cut down on
worldwide pollution.
Also within the lines of comparing diesel to gasoline, it isn’t nearly as flammable as traditional gasoline. Therefore, many people regard diesel as a very safe option. It is commonly known that tossing a match into a pool of gasoline could start a dangerous and possibly devastating fire. This is because gasoline’s vapors ignite on its surface. On the other hand, diesel does not do so, regarding it as a safe choice for driving or operating machinery that can get quite hot after being run for a while.
As with everything in life, diesel does have its cons as well. For example, diesel runs best when traveling under 65 miles per hour. Diesel has peak power when engine revolutions per minute are relatively low. If you are considering faster driving, diesel may not be the best option.
To Conclude
To conclude, diesel is a great choice if you are considering a more environmentally friendly option for you or your family. It is a safe choice for those whose safety is their top priority. It is also a great choice if one is looking for efficiency and power on the road. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about diesel’s true nature. For years, society has demonized it, considering it “dirty” or just not a feasible or environmentally friendly option. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While everyone’s needs are different, diesel can be a great choice, and best of all, it can help reduce one’s carbon footprint. If you are on the fence about making the switch from gasoline to diesel, try it out in the Ford F-150 Diesel because you never know where it may take you.
This article was contributed by Mark Daniels. Mark is a versatile writer with extensive experience
creating interesting, engaging, and unique articles in multiple industries.
Sources
First Ever F-150 Diesel Rolling into Kansas City
The 2018 Ford F-150’s Outstanding Performance - and Now There’s a Diesel