In a few short years, many Ball State University students will make one of the biggest purchases of our lives-a new car. At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, automakers revealed a trend you may want to consider when shopping for a new ride.
Thanks to some emerging technologies, this trend could make fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly, powerful, durable vehicles the next big thing to hit American markets. So what is the trend?
It's diesel.
Diesel-powered engines have long been touted for their durability and high performance levels. They have also been known as loud, smelly polluters that are a major contributor to harmful emissions in the air, according to the Energy Information Administration.
In recent years, though, diesel fuel has become cleaner because of new formulas that reduce the sulfur content, according to an MSN Autos article. Whereas in the past, diesel emissions have been restricted by U.S. environmental standards, this new diesel surpasses those standards, especially because of changes in vehicles themselves.
A USA Today article reviewing the Detroit auto show outlines some of the ways American, German and Asian automakers are harnessing diesel's power and reducing its pollutants at the same time. Most plans involve a complicated exhaust injection system, the article says, which makes these vehicles as environmentally-friendly as any on U.S. roads today.
These systems are being implemented in all kinds of vehicles, from two-seaters to sport-utility vehicles. That means you may be able to get that dream car and follow up on the lessons you learned on Earth Day at the same time.
With these environmental issues solved, diesel may become a major competitor to regular gasoline in the United States before long, mainly because of its fuel efficiency. According to the USA Today article, diesel vehicles get "20 percent to 40 percent more miles per gallon than comparable gasoline engines," a figure which matches some hybrid/electric vehicles.
James Eflin, professor and chair of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, said he specifically bought a Volkswagen with a diesel-powered engine.
"The fuel economy is much higher," he said. "I'm a big advocate for diesel."
Unlike hybrid vehicles, diesels are quite powerful, according to the EIA, which is a main reason this fuel is used for freight and construction vehicles now. This power, combined with fuel efficiency, is popular among consumers of high-performance vehicles.
The downside of diesel is the price. Compared to regular gasoline, diesel costs an average of 38 cents more per gallon, USA Today said. The EIA said this is partially because of the switch to low-sulfur, environmentally-friendly diesel, which costs more than the older, dirtier fuel.
The EIA also cites federal diesel taxes as a reason for the fuel's higher price, along with a high worldwide demand.
Some of the cost difference would be balanced out by the outstanding fuel efficiency of diesel engines, as well as their long-term durability, MSN said.
The real question, though, is whether consumers are willing to pay a little more to get a better product. Sure, the bill at the gas station will be higher, but diesel drivers will have better performance and fuel efficiency, and their cars will not cost the environment anything.
At the Detroit auto show, Jeep introduced a concept car called the Renegade, a hybrid off-road vehicle with an electric engine. When the batteries die on the engine, though, diesel power kicks in, and the fuel mileage is about 110 miles per gallon, according to an article on CarJunky.com.
Sounds pretty good, right?
In a few years, when many Ball State students will be researching cars online or browsing in dealership lots, the technology that is currently giving diesel-powered vehicles so many advantages will likely be even more advanced and comprehensive.
When it does come time for you to blow all the money you have saved up on a down payment for a new car, consider what diesel can give you: power, durability, environmental safety and fuel efficiency.
Write to Jennifer at jawright5@bsu.edu
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