Advanced diesel engines are some of the most fuel and energy-efficient options in the market, but those are just the beginning of their advantages. Some of their advantages are emotional. For a hundred years, people have been firing up a diesel engine to start their work day. But the environmental impact of that economy is now under increasing regulations. Innovative aftertreatment systems and cutting-edge engineering allow owners to operate with net zero emissions and supplement operations with biodiesel blends. This addresses diesel’s main disadvantage—its environmental impact, and allows this fuel to be part of powering the future. 

Let’s review the four high-level advantages of modern diesel engines.

Advantage 1: Diesel Fuel Economy

Diesel vehicles can travel 20% to 35% farther on a single gallon of fuel than similarly-sized gasoline vehicles. Diesel fuel economy comparison with biodiesel also reveals that low-sulfur diesel can be the superior option. For example, B100 biodiesel in particular is around 7% less efficient than diesel, according to the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. However, B20 biodiesel is roughly equivalent to regular diesel in its potential for fuel efficiency.

What is the fuel efficiency of diesel? One limited comparison of passenger vehicles by The Motley Fool showed diesel is 29% more efficient on the highway and 24% more efficient in the city. For commercial vehicles, diesel is the best option available in areas without natural gas or hydrogen infrastructure, and even in those areas, diesel may still be preferred.

Advantage 2: Diesel Engines Require Less Maintenance

If you're wondering "do diesel engines have more problems," the answer is that they have less. There are fewer overall parts in a diesel engine than a gasoline engine, meaning less components to break or need repair. As one example, diesel engines do not have spark plugs. This leaves less room for electrical failures and reduces the need for maintenance and upkeep by the owner. Less waste is produced and cost-savings are achieved!

What is the main problem with diesel engines? By many accounts, overheating. Diesel engines are powerful and get put to hard use in all environmental conditions. But with just a little regular maintenance, Cummins Inc. advanced diesel engines are up for any challenge.

Advantage 3: Diesel Powers High Torque

What are the performance benefits of a diesel engine? Diesel engines deliver better acceleration, towing, and hauling potential than their gasoline counterparts. This is because within a diesel engine, the piston rises to the top of the cylinder, while in a gasoline engine it stops short. Diesel engines compress more air faster, delivering more power to get work done. Features like a turbocharger allow extra air to enter a diesel engine so it can deliver on horsepower as well. Cummins is focused on turbochargers for medium and heavy-duty diesel engines to improve efficiency and achieve cost savings. 

Advantage 4: Diesel Engines Have a Long Lifespan

Diesel engines are built tough to handle high compression and hard work. That means they last a long time as well. At Cummins, we're committed to making our engines last with less upkeep required by owners. Simplified aftertreatment systems, longer oil-drain intervals and maintenance-free filters are just some of the features in our diesel engine lineup. These innovations mean better on-going financials while carrying on the essential business of moving packages and people from where they are to where they're headed.

Cummins Delivers Powerful, Dependable, Responsible Diesel

Is diesel better for the economy? From many perspectives, yes. Diesel is a familiar and ingrained technology on farms, worksites, roadways, and railways across the world. As all these economic sectors and others take action to meet emissions regulations, diesel does not have to leave the equation. Cummins aftertreatment systems can convert diesel emissions into nitrogen gas and water vapor, allowing diesel to maintain its place powering life without concern about environmental impact and compliance.

In 1919, Clessie Lyle Cummins founded Cummins to deliver on his vision of an improved diesel engine. Since then, we have never stopped pushing the boundaries of possibility, from innovating clean diesel to alternative fuels like natural gas and hydrogen. 

The advantages of diesel engines are many, and Cummins wants to help you make the most of them. Learn more about the application of our engines across industries, or find a dealer location near you for service or support.