Once diesel fuel was touted across parts of the world as a readily
Once diesel fuel was touted across parts of the world as a readily

available solution to increase fuel economy.
available solution to increase fuel economy.

Diesel engines were praised as heavy-duty, hardworking, fuel-sipping
Diesel engines were praised as heavy-duty, hardworking, fuel-sipping

engines that were great for some of the hardest jobs and heaviest
engines that were great for some of the hardest jobs and heaviest

machinery — hauling, clawing through the dirt and driving long distances.
machinery — hauling, clawing through the dirt and driving long distances.

Their reputation as efficient and long-lasting engines made them a popular
Their reputation as efficient and long-lasting engines made them a popular

choice across Europe, one of the world's largest car markets.
choice across Europe, one of the world's largest car markets.

They were supported by government incentives and embraced by major
They were supported by government incentives and embraced by major

automakers. For a while, it looked like diesel engines could be one of the
automakers. For a while, it looked like diesel engines could be one of the

best available technologies for reaching ambitious fuel economy targets.
best available technologies for reaching ambitious fuel economy targets.

Then the case for diesel seemed to crash.
Then the case for diesel seemed to crash.

Cities where diesels were common struggled with extremely high levels of
Cities where diesels were common struggled with extremely high levels of

air pollution. Global health authorities determined diesel fuel to be
air pollution. Global health authorities determined diesel fuel to be

carcinogenic. In 2015, German automaker Volkswagen, one of the world's
carcinogenic. In 2015, German automaker Volkswagen, one of the world's

largest car companies, shook the industry when executives admitted the
largest car companies, shook the industry when executives admitted the

company had cheated on diesel emissions tests.
company had cheated on diesel emissions tests.

Executives were fired and jailed.
Executives were fired and jailed.

Volkswagen was on the hook for billions in fines and payouts, and some
Volkswagen was on the hook for billions in fines and payouts, and some

wondered whether the scandal spelled the beginning of the end for diesel
wondered whether the scandal spelled the beginning of the end for diesel

engines themselves.
engines themselves.

At the same time, hybrid and electric vehicles increasingly became, for
At the same time, hybrid and electric vehicles increasingly became, for

many, the best new hope for providing low emission or even emission free
many, the best new hope for providing low emission or even emission free

transportation and equipment.
transportation and equipment.

But diesel advocates say diesel is not done yet.
But diesel advocates say diesel is not done yet.

It is still widely used in heavy machinery and commercial applications.
It is still widely used in heavy machinery and commercial applications.

Companies are developing new technology, such as pollution filtering
Companies are developing new technology, such as pollution filtering

systems and renewable biofuels that could keep diesel relevant and widely
systems and renewable biofuels that could keep diesel relevant and widely

used for years to come, even as solutions for reducing toxic emissions.
used for years to come, even as solutions for reducing toxic emissions.

Within the truck markey, the diesel is a huge player as far as, you know,
Within the truck markey, the diesel is a huge player as far as, you know,

the amount of vehicles that we produce with diesel, certainly in heavy
the amount of vehicles that we produce with diesel, certainly in heavy

duty. And there's a constant desire for more capability.
duty. And there's a constant desire for more capability.

The diesel engine was named for its creator, Rudolf Diesel, a Paris-born
The diesel engine was named for its creator, Rudolf Diesel, a Paris-born

son of Bavarian immigrants.
son of Bavarian immigrants.

Diesel was an engineer who worked on refrigeration technology during the
Diesel was an engineer who worked on refrigeration technology during the

day. But in his spare time, nursed ideas for an engine more efficient than
day. But in his spare time, nursed ideas for an engine more efficient than

the typical designs of his time.
the typical designs of his time.

He designed an engine that worked in a manner similar to conventional
He designed an engine that worked in a manner similar to conventional

internal combustion engines, but with a few crucial differences.
internal combustion engines, but with a few crucial differences.

In an internal combustion engine, diesel or otherwise, fuel and air
In an internal combustion engine, diesel or otherwise, fuel and air

combined inside a cylinder chamber where they combust.
combined inside a cylinder chamber where they combust.

The explosion pushes a piston, which turns a crank shaft and ultimately
The explosion pushes a piston, which turns a crank shaft and ultimately

turns the wheels that move a vehicle.
turns the wheels that move a vehicle.

In a typical gasoline engine, a spark plug ignites the fuel and air
In a typical gasoline engine, a spark plug ignites the fuel and air

mixture inside the cylinder.
mixture inside the cylinder.

But Rudolf Diesel determined that no spark was necessary.
But Rudolf Diesel determined that no spark was necessary.

His design simply compressed the air in the cylinder to the point that the
His design simply compressed the air in the cylinder to the point that the

air was so hot it would cause the fuel to combust.
air was so hot it would cause the fuel to combust.

As soon as it was injected into the cylinder.
As soon as it was injected into the cylinder.

Diesel's basic design innovations are still seen in diesel engines today.
Diesel's basic design innovations are still seen in diesel engines today.

The design of the diesel engine gives it some of the advantages so
The design of the diesel engine gives it some of the advantages so

appreciated by fans.
appreciated by fans.

Diesel engines tend to get better fuel economy than gasoline engines,
Diesel engines tend to get better fuel economy than gasoline engines,

sometimes much better.
sometimes much better.

And they can also deliver a great deal of power to the wheels at low
And they can also deliver a great deal of power to the wheels at low

speeds, making them excellent for heavy machinery and vehicles that need
speeds, making them excellent for heavy machinery and vehicles that need

to haul, whether that be freight trucks, construction equipment or trains.
to haul, whether that be freight trucks, construction equipment or trains.

Diesel fuel is also different from gasoline, and it is more energy dense,
Diesel fuel is also different from gasoline, and it is more energy dense,

meaning more energy can be extracted from diesel than can be extracted
meaning more energy can be extracted from diesel than can be extracted

from the same amount of gas.
from the same amount of gas.

Diesels get about, on an average basis, about 30 percent more energy
Diesels get about, on an average basis, about 30 percent more energy

efficient than a comparable gasoline vehicle.
efficient than a comparable gasoline vehicle.

So that comes from two things.
So that comes from two things.

The fuel itself has more energy potential in it, and then the engine burns
The fuel itself has more energy potential in it, and then the engine burns

that fuel more efficiently. So those two things together make diesel the
that fuel more efficiently. So those two things together make diesel the

most energy efficient internal combustion engine.
most energy efficient internal combustion engine.

Over time, their fuel saving potential made them highly desirable choices
Over time, their fuel saving potential made them highly desirable choices

in countries where governments were trying to reduce carbon emissions.
in countries where governments were trying to reduce carbon emissions.

Lower carbon dioxide emissions were one of the reasons the European Union
Lower carbon dioxide emissions were one of the reasons the European Union

began pushing the fuel in the 1990s.
began pushing the fuel in the 1990s.

Around the time climate change became a serious global issue and countries
Around the time climate change became a serious global issue and countries

began signing on to major global carbon reduction agreements, such as
began signing on to major global carbon reduction agreements, such as

1997's Kyoto Protocol.
1997's Kyoto Protocol.

For a long time through most of the 90s and into the 2000s and a lot of
For a long time through most of the 90s and into the 2000s and a lot of

countries in Europe, diesel was the majority, represented the majority of
countries in Europe, diesel was the majority, represented the majority of

light vehicle sales.
light vehicle sales.

In some markets like in Italy it got as high as 90 percent
In some markets like in Italy it got as high as 90 percent

of the market was diesel engines.
of the market was diesel engines.

And Germany and France was also very popular.
And Germany and France was also very popular.

But that, in North America, diesel never really caught on quite as
But that, in North America, diesel never really caught on quite as

much, except during periods where we tended to have very high fuel prices.
much, except during periods where we tended to have very high fuel prices.

However, diesel engines do have their drawbacks.
However, diesel engines do have their drawbacks.

Whereas diesels are good with low end torque, it is easier to get higher
Whereas diesels are good with low end torque, it is easier to get higher

horsepower in a gasoline engine.
horsepower in a gasoline engine.

That is why diesel engines are typically found on large trucks and heavy
That is why diesel engines are typically found on large trucks and heavy

machinery, but seldom found on sports cars or race cars.
machinery, but seldom found on sports cars or race cars.

There have been other drawbacks that eventually gave diesels a bad
There have been other drawbacks that eventually gave diesels a bad

reputation they are still battling today.
reputation they are still battling today.

Overall, diesel engines produce less CO2 than gasoline burning engines,
Overall, diesel engines produce less CO2 than gasoline burning engines,

helped by the fact that they burn less fuel.
helped by the fact that they burn less fuel.

However, they produce higher concentrations of other hazardous pollutants,
However, they produce higher concentrations of other hazardous pollutants,

especially nitrogen oxides and very tiny particles, commonly referred to
especially nitrogen oxides and very tiny particles, commonly referred to

as PM 2.5.
as PM 2.5.

The European countries that embraced diesel considered it a tradeoff.
The European countries that embraced diesel considered it a tradeoff.

Sacrificing some losses in air quality for gains in CO2 reduction.
Sacrificing some losses in air quality for gains in CO2 reduction.

Many European countries put tax advantages in place to encourage diesel
Many European countries put tax advantages in place to encourage diesel

engine adoption. These incentives sent diesel car sales skyrocketing
engine adoption. These incentives sent diesel car sales skyrocketing

throughout Europe. But over time, cities such as Paris showed signs of
throughout Europe. But over time, cities such as Paris showed signs of

dangerously high pollution.
dangerously high pollution.

European emissions standards have restricted pollutants such as nitrogen
European emissions standards have restricted pollutants such as nitrogen

oxide since at least the 2000s.
oxide since at least the 2000s.

But for years, laboratory tests were easy to exploit.
But for years, laboratory tests were easy to exploit.

As the European Environment Agency noted in a 2019 report.
As the European Environment Agency noted in a 2019 report.

In 2012, the World Health Organization said it considered diesel exhaust
In 2012, the World Health Organization said it considered diesel exhaust

carcinogenic. Several studies over the years have shown harmful levels of
carcinogenic. Several studies over the years have shown harmful levels of

nitrogen oxides and other pollutants in European cities, often high above
nitrogen oxides and other pollutants in European cities, often high above

legally allowed limits.
legally allowed limits.

Perhaps the biggest hit to diesel's reputation was the cheating scandal
Perhaps the biggest hit to diesel's reputation was the cheating scandal

that rocked Volkswagen and other automakers beginning in 2015.
that rocked Volkswagen and other automakers beginning in 2015.

The German carmaker, one of the largest in the world, had been heavily
The German carmaker, one of the largest in the world, had been heavily

invested in diesel fuel and marketed for its fuel economy benefits.
invested in diesel fuel and marketed for its fuel economy benefits.

But starting in 2015, revelations began to surface that the company had
But starting in 2015, revelations began to surface that the company had

installed software in cars designed to manipulate emissions test results.
installed software in cars designed to manipulate emissions test results.

These defeat devices were able to recognize when a car was being lab
These defeat devices were able to recognize when a car was being lab

tested, as opposed to being driven in real world conditions and thus
tested, as opposed to being driven in real world conditions and thus

calibrate the engine to cheat the test by temporarily producing emissions
calibrate the engine to cheat the test by temporarily producing emissions

low enough to comply with regulations.
low enough to comply with regulations.

Once on the road, the cars outfitted with these devices were often
Once on the road, the cars outfitted with these devices were often

releasing pollutants that far exceeded legal limits.
releasing pollutants that far exceeded legal limits.

Volkswagen has had to pay roughly 35 billion dollars since 2015 and
Volkswagen has had to pay roughly 35 billion dollars since 2015 and

penalties, fines, settlements and other payouts.
penalties, fines, settlements and other payouts.

The scandal seems to have marked a turning point in Europe's history with
The scandal seems to have marked a turning point in Europe's history with

diesel. Following the Volkswagen scandal, diesel sales did drop off
diesel. Following the Volkswagen scandal, diesel sales did drop off

dramatically in Europe, even though it was still more cost effective to
dramatically in Europe, even though it was still more cost effective to

drive a diesel engine there.
drive a diesel engine there.

It has dropped significantly.
It has dropped significantly.

Our own stats, globally, between 2016 and 2018,
Our own stats, globally, between 2016 and 2018,

while overall vehicle sales and electric vehicle sales increased globally
while overall vehicle sales and electric vehicle sales increased globally

by about one percent.
by about one percent.

Diesel sales dropped by about nine percent globally in that same
Diesel sales dropped by about nine percent globally in that same

timeframe. Of course, in Europe, where diesel was most popular, it dropped
timeframe. Of course, in Europe, where diesel was most popular, it dropped

off the most. In 2015, diesel's share of new passenger cars in Europe was
off the most. In 2015, diesel's share of new passenger cars in Europe was

about 51 percent.
about 51 percent.

By 2018, that share had fallen to 36 percent.
By 2018, that share had fallen to 36 percent.

That is the lowest share of total new car registrations since 2001,
That is the lowest share of total new car registrations since 2001,

according to industry data firm JATO Dynamics.
according to industry data firm JATO Dynamics.

Association with the high profile VW scandal hurt diesel's reputation.
Association with the high profile VW scandal hurt diesel's reputation.

But perhaps even worse was the talk among European politicians of banning
But perhaps even worse was the talk among European politicians of banning

internal combustion cars entirely, including diesel, from major cities.
internal combustion cars entirely, including diesel, from major cities.

The UK said in 2020 it plans to ban the sale of both new diesel and new
The UK said in 2020 it plans to ban the sale of both new diesel and new

gasoline cars by 2035.
gasoline cars by 2035.

France has also plan to end the sale of internal combustion cars by 2040.
France has also plan to end the sale of internal combustion cars by 2040.

Automakers such as Volvo and Nissan have said they plan to either reduce
Automakers such as Volvo and Nissan have said they plan to either reduce

their share of diesel vehicles or phase them out entirely.
their share of diesel vehicles or phase them out entirely.

In the wake of the scandal, VW made a pretty sharp turn toward
In the wake of the scandal, VW made a pretty sharp turn toward

electrification. The company said in December 2019 it planned to produce
electrification. The company said in December 2019 it planned to produce

one million electric cars by 2023, sooner than the 2025 target it had
one million electric cars by 2023, sooner than the 2025 target it had

previously set. Of course, there is hardly an automaker in the world that
previously set. Of course, there is hardly an automaker in the world that

isn't moving into electric vehicles.
isn't moving into electric vehicles.

That poses some real competition for diesel engines, even larger vehicles
That poses some real competition for diesel engines, even larger vehicles

such as buses and delivery trucks can run well on electric and hybrid
such as buses and delivery trucks can run well on electric and hybrid

power trains. Encroaching on territory diesel once had pretty much to
power trains. Encroaching on territory diesel once had pretty much to

itself. Vehicles that operate in a local area like trash trucks, buses are
itself. Vehicles that operate in a local area like trash trucks, buses are

increasingly shifting towards electric power trains.
increasingly shifting towards electric power trains.

Local authorities are buying a lot more electric buses because they're
Local authorities are buying a lot more electric buses because they're

cleaner, quieter or more efficient, cheaper to operate.
cleaner, quieter or more efficient, cheaper to operate.

Companies like Amazon that operate huge fleets of delivery vehicles says
Companies like Amazon that operate huge fleets of delivery vehicles says

those FedEx and UPS and Amazon vans that deliver all its packages to you,
those FedEx and UPS and Amazon vans that deliver all its packages to you,

those are traditionally been powered by diesel engines.
those are traditionally been powered by diesel engines.

But, you know, that's starting to change now.
But, you know, that's starting to change now.

Amazon invested $800 million last year in an EV startup called Rivian.
Amazon invested $800 million last year in an EV startup called Rivian.

And UPS and FedEx are doing...
And UPS and FedEx are doing...

they're also buying a lot more electric vans.
they're also buying a lot more electric vans.

So for local operations where those vans are coming back to a depot at
So for local operations where those vans are coming back to a depot at

night, it's easy to plug those in and charge them overnight.
night, it's easy to plug those in and charge them overnight.

Not a big deal. For now, diesel is still everywhere.
Not a big deal. For now, diesel is still everywhere.

Most of the farm equipment in the United States runs on it.
Most of the farm equipment in the United States runs on it.

It is still very common in heavy construction, mining, shipping and marine
It is still very common in heavy construction, mining, shipping and marine

transport and much of public transit.
transport and much of public transit.

Though companies such as Tesla are venturing into electric long-haul
Though companies such as Tesla are venturing into electric long-haul

trucks, diesel is still the powertrain of choice for that sector.
trucks, diesel is still the powertrain of choice for that sector.

The last place where you'll likely see diesel is in those long-haul trucks
The last place where you'll likely see diesel is in those long-haul trucks

where it's still a challenge.
where it's still a challenge.

You need so much battery in those things to go electric with those.
You need so much battery in those things to go electric with those.

You know, they're driving, you know, thousands of miles across the
You know, they're driving, you know, thousands of miles across the

continent, that it's gonna be a while before those get electrified.
continent, that it's gonna be a while before those get electrified.

But, you know, the emissions, the diesel emissions are less of a problem
But, you know, the emissions, the diesel emissions are less of a problem

with those because they tend to be out more out in rural areas when you're
with those because they tend to be out more out in rural areas when you're

driving across the country.
driving across the country.

Whereas, you know, the diesel emissions aren't...where they are a bigger
Whereas, you know, the diesel emissions aren't...where they are a bigger

problem is in urban areas.
problem is in urban areas.

So the urban local delivery vehicles — they're going electric.
So the urban local delivery vehicles — they're going electric.

The long-haul stuff is going to go stay diesel for a while yet, but
The long-haul stuff is going to go stay diesel for a while yet, but

probably by the late 2020s, we'll start seeing those going electric as
probably by the late 2020s, we'll start seeing those going electric as

well. Diesel advocates say it is too soon to count the fuel out and there
well. Diesel advocates say it is too soon to count the fuel out and there

may be further opportunities for growth.
may be further opportunities for growth.

Companies are developing technology that can reduce the emission of the
Companies are developing technology that can reduce the emission of the

harmful pollutants that have run diesel into trouble before.
harmful pollutants that have run diesel into trouble before.

All diesels sold in the United States is ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is
All diesels sold in the United States is ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is

a form of the fuel that contains a tiny fraction of the sulfur contained
a form of the fuel that contains a tiny fraction of the sulfur contained

in older forms. This fuel allows diesel vehicles to be fitted with new
in older forms. This fuel allows diesel vehicles to be fitted with new

pollution, reducing devices.
pollution, reducing devices.

Today we know that operating on the nation's roads that about 43 percent of
Today we know that operating on the nation's roads that about 43 percent of

all commercial vehicles registered and operating are the newest generation
all commercial vehicles registered and operating are the newest generation

of diesel. So that means they have the full suite of particulate control
of diesel. So that means they have the full suite of particulate control

and advanced selective catalytic reduction systems, diesel exhaust fluid,
and advanced selective catalytic reduction systems, diesel exhaust fluid,

et cetera, that enable them to achieve near zero emissions.
et cetera, that enable them to achieve near zero emissions.

Companies are also investing in renewable biofuels, which are refined from
Companies are also investing in renewable biofuels, which are refined from

crops or organic waste.
crops or organic waste.

Many diesel engines can now use a blend of 20 percent renewable fuel and
Many diesel engines can now use a blend of 20 percent renewable fuel and

80 percent petroleum based diesel, commonly called biodiesel, but known
80 percent petroleum based diesel, commonly called biodiesel, but known

more technically as B20.
more technically as B20.

Some are going even further and using entirely renewable fuels and diesel
Some are going even further and using entirely renewable fuels and diesel

engines. The city of San Francisco converted its fleet of municipal
engines. The city of San Francisco converted its fleet of municipal

vehicles to totally renewable diesel fuel.
vehicles to totally renewable diesel fuel.

The advanced renewable biofuels, like biodiesel, enabled the carbon
The advanced renewable biofuels, like biodiesel, enabled the carbon

footprint to be reduced from a diesel engine by anywhere from additional
footprint to be reduced from a diesel engine by anywhere from additional

20, up to as much as 80 percent, if you're using the most refined and
20, up to as much as 80 percent, if you're using the most refined and

advanced processing of those biodiesel feedstocks.
advanced processing of those biodiesel feedstocks.

Diesel also appears to have crept back into a few key segments that are
Diesel also appears to have crept back into a few key segments that are

especially popular among American consumers and profitable for American
especially popular among American consumers and profitable for American

automakers: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
automakers: pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Diesels provide greater efficiency, greater range.
Diesels provide greater efficiency, greater range.

And a light duty diesel, you can drive from going Duluth to Dallas on one
And a light duty diesel, you can drive from going Duluth to Dallas on one

tank of fuel, compared to gas — 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
tank of fuel, compared to gas — 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

And if you look at the torque curve, the torque curve is a very low R.P.M.
And if you look at the torque curve, the torque curve is a very low R.P.M.

In 2019, all three U.S.
In 2019, all three U.S.

automakers had, for the first time in years, at least one diesel, full
automakers had, for the first time in years, at least one diesel, full

size, half-ton pickup truck in their lineups.
size, half-ton pickup truck in their lineups.

Diesel engines are also options on mid-sized pickups such as the Chevrolet
Diesel engines are also options on mid-sized pickups such as the Chevrolet

Colorado. And General Motors is offering diesel engines on its Chevrolet
Colorado. And General Motors is offering diesel engines on its Chevrolet

Suburban and Tahoe sport utilities.
Suburban and Tahoe sport utilities.

Those pickup trucks and some great options for those that really like
Those pickup trucks and some great options for those that really like

off-roading and Jeep.
off-roading and Jeep.

The Wrangler and the Gladiator both have diesel engine options in those
The Wrangler and the Gladiator both have diesel engine options in those

vehicles. So we get a lot of grunt for those folks that really do true
vehicles. So we get a lot of grunt for those folks that really do true

off-roading activity.
off-roading activity.

Diesel's low end torque is really a kind of thing that that that segment
Diesel's low end torque is really a kind of thing that that that segment

really likes. So I think there's great opportunities for diesel in the
really likes. So I think there's great opportunities for diesel in the

light vehicle segment in these bigger vehicles and these performance
light vehicle segment in these bigger vehicles and these performance

veterans. Much of the auto industry is betting that the future is
veterans. Much of the auto industry is betting that the future is

electric. But the bridge to fully electric cars, trucks, trains and
electric. But the bridge to fully electric cars, trucks, trains and

construction equipment could be a long one.
construction equipment could be a long one.

The diesel industry is betting consumers and governments will want
The diesel industry is betting consumers and governments will want

effective solutions they can deploy along the way.
effective solutions they can deploy along the way.