The New Diesel: Cleaner and Greener

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The new diesel fuel will cost about 3 to 5 cents more per gallon than its predecessor, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the extra short-term costs. Experts expect the new fuel to run smoothly in older diesel cars. In some cases, though, the new fuel might loosen deposits in the fuel tank, so initially watch for leaks or premature fuel filter plugging.

Regulations of diesel emissions also are changing rapidly. To meet new, stricter national standards, diesel cars will need after-treatment methods in their exhaust systems; options include a variety of catalytic converters, a particulate trap (to remove soot) and urea injection. In the latter, urea injected into the exhaust delivers ammonia that allows a final converter to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The technology exists, but automakers are waiting for the EPA to decide who will refill the urea injection system; the government is uneasy about drivers servicing their own emission-control systems. In the near term, new diesel cars will be scarce as automakers develop the new systems. But expect a slew of new options in the future, starting with the 2008 model year.

I’ve driven clean diesel cars in Europe and preproduction models for the U.S. market and am quite impressed. Not only are modern diesel engines more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts, they produce considerable torque with smooth acceleration, which makes for a truly enjoyable driving experience. The common reaction from drivers who experience newer diesels is amazement at how smooth and quiet they are.

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

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