New Diesel Fuel for Cars is Cleaner

Image Gallery The diesel fuel at a pump near you has changed significantly. The new, “clean” diesel will dramatically reduce pollution. TABITHA ALTERMAN

Diesel-engine cars achieve about 30 percent better fuel economy than their gas-engine counterparts, but emissions from diesel engines are notoriously foul. But that's changing - by the end of this decade, Americans will be able to purchase cleaner, fuel-efficient diesel cars that meet the same strict emissions standards as gasoline vehicles.

Last month, per a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate, new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel began to replace traditional diesel at the pump. By 2010, it will be the only diesel fuel on the market. With 97 percent less sulfur, the new fuel will allow new diesel engines to reduce emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and respiratory problems, by 90 percent or better.

The EPA estimates that, once fully implemented, clean diesel will save $70 billion annually on environmental and public health costs, while preventing 20,000 premature deaths. The biggest reduction in emissions will come from commercial transportation, but cars and light-duty diesel pickup trucks will benefit, too. And the new fuel will also improve emissions from biodiesel blends, such as B20 (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent petro-diesel).

The new diesel fuel will cost just 3 to 5 cents more per gallon than its predecessor. If you already drive a diesel car, you can switch to clean diesel fuel now. Experts expect the new fuel will run without problems in older diesel cars. During the initial switch, though, you should watch closely for potential fuel system leaks or premature fuel filter plugging. In some cases, adding the new formulation to older vehicles may affect fuel system components or loosen deposits in the tank.

Right now, new diesel cars will be rare as automakers develop new systems. But you can expect a variety of new, cleaner and greener diesel cars to hit the market in 2007 and 2008.

To learn more about the new diesel fuel and cleaner diesel cars, visit the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance.