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Drivers of SUVs Saving Big Money with Diesel Engines
(ARA) - Half of all American vacationers on the road this year are
driving gas guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, according to a new survey on
driving habits from research firm MarketFacts. These bigger vehicles burn
high amounts of fuel, which not only puts a dent in drivers' wallets, but
also increases the country's dependence on foreign oil. Ironically, the
MarketFacts study shows that fuel economy is an important issue for SUV
and pickup drivers.
According to automotive experts, standard gasoline engines can't
efficiently handle the weight of the larger -- and very popular -- SUVs
and pickup trucks. There is an alternative, however, for drivers of big
vehicles to consider: diesel engines.
Diesel engines like the Power Stroke Diesel in Ford F-Series Super Duty
pickups are specifically made to provide better mileage -- 30 percent in
most cases -- and have more pulling power than gas engines, which is why
they are especially popular among those hauling camping gear or towing
boats, RVs and horse trailers.
"People love big trucks for a lot of great reasons, but running a gas
engine in them is like trying to heat a hotel with a small home furnace.
You're going to burn way too much fuel and you still won't get the power
you really need," said Patrick Charbonneau, chief technical officer,
Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "Diesel engines
produce more power than gasoline engines because diesel fuel itself has
more energy. And today's diesel engines are electronically controlled to
boost performance and fuel efficiency."
However, the study found that despite diesel's known benefits, many
Americans are resistant because they still have a negative perception of
these engines, recalling the noisy and odorous diesel engines of the
'70s. Industry experts dispel these myths saying today's diesel engines
are greatly improved -- running quietly and not producing odors or smoke.
Major automakers in the United States have taken an interest in diesel
power predominantly because of the success of diesels in Europe. "Over 30
percent of the passenger cars in Europe are now diesel, and the main
reason is fuel economy," said Charbonneau. "The Big Three know fuel
economy is keenly important here in North America."
Currently in the United States, diesel engines are an option over the
standard gasoline engines, adding a few thousand dollars to the cost of a
new vehicle. Although buying a diesel engine is a higher monetary
investment initially, automakers say diesel engines make up this cost
difference within just three years from fuel savings alone. Diesel
engines also add greater resale value to pickups and SUVs due to their
longevity.
Industry insiders believe that in 20 years, 30 percent of the passenger
cars, sport utilities and pickups in America will use diesel engines
because of fuel efficiency and near zero emissions capabilities.
According to the Department of Energy, if diesels reach even a percent of
their potential penetration by 2020, the country could conserve as much
as 700,000 barrels of fuel per day -- half the energy used daily by the
state of California.
For more information, visit GreenDieselTechnology .
About The Author
Courtesy of ARA Content, ARAcontent ; e-mail: info@ARAcontent
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