Diesel Fuel Is Red Hot, and Green

Cleaner diesel cars to compete against hybrids.

SmartMoney magazine may think “earth-friendly” diesel sounds like an oxymoron, but people in the petroleum industry know that today’s diesel fuel is cleaner and more fuel-efficient. The article notes that diesel now has 97 percent less sulfur than the “stinky, sooty, carcinogenic” diesel used until last year and that new fuel-efficient diesel cars are set to hit the market next year. For just a $500 to $2,000 premium over gasoline models, diesel vehicles offer lower maintenance costs, longer life and less depreciation than gas-powered vehicles.

The article even suggests that diesels might be more efficient than hybrid autos, although hybrids are probably better for city drivers because stop-and-go driving decreases the efficiency of diesel cars.

For the full article, Earth-Friendly Diesels to Compete Against Hybrids, go to: http://www.smartmoney.com/consumer/index.cfm?story=20070831.

Big oil companies like Chevron have already announced that they will increase their efforts to expand the use of new, cleaner diesel fuel. The question is: will regular  consumers overcome their traditional distaste for diesel-powered vehicles?

What do you think?