The diesel engine in its many forms is the workhorse of modern industry. Our fuel experts explain what makes this type of engine so important
Benefits of diesel engines over petrol
The reason for the long list is that diesel engines are generally preferred over petrol as they allow for more torque and improved burning efficiency, although petrol does provide greater power than diesel fuel. However, this comes at a cost of burning faster, resulting in lower mileage than their diesel fuel counterparts.
The higher efficiency of diesel engines comes about from the higher pressures that these engines create when combusting their fuels, compared to petrol.
Because of these high pressures inside a diesel engine, they are built to be robust, meaning that they can be used in heavy-duty equipment, such as agricultural machinery and more.
Negatives of diesel fuel
Although diesel engines remain extremely popular, there are many downsides, particularly in regards to the high levels of emissions that fossil fuel diesel produces. In recent years, this has led to the rise in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), but even EVs have compromises of their own.
- Non-renewable (blending and renewable drop-ins reduce or eliminate this issue)
- Oil drilling is damaging to the natural environment (modern, renewable drop-ins eliminate this issue)
- Oil drilling is damaging to the natural environment (modern, renewable drop-ins eliminate this issue)
- Sulphur content is present in some classes of fuel (ULSD is the most common diesel, and sulphur presence is much lower)
- Petroleum-based diesel fuels are toxic to the environment when spilt (renewable drop-ins eliminate this issue)
- Gelling in cold temperatures (high-performance alternatives operate at a larger range of temperatures)
- FAME content means diesel is hygroscopic (so it attracts water) and results in clogged filters and engine breakages (FAME-free alternatives do not have this issue)
- High levels of CO2 emissions (renewable alternatives reduce greenhouse gases by up to 90%)
- Air pollution and threat to human health (renewable fuels mitigate this)