Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

Fuel and maintenance costs drive decisions when it comes to selecting the type of engine to power your fleet. Since the time of steam power, engines have evolved to serve different purposes. Fleets have upgraded accordingly, and companies have stood by engines that work best for them.

Today, businesses that operate fleets are beginning to experiment with new types of engines considered to be more fuel-efficient. City buses in Chicago, for example, are gradually moving toward hybrid and electric alternatives. However, the standard for most fleets of vehicles still comes down to the choice of diesel vs. gas trucks.

Below, we have explained some of the key differences between diesel and gasoline engines. 

Physical Difference

“Diesel” simply refers to a type of internal combustion engine. To commence ignition, this system relies on the heat from compression to burn fuel that is injected into the engine’s combustion chamber. Diesel engines were among the first developed and were originally designed to replace steam engines.

By comparison, a gasoline engine uses a spark-ignition system to run solely on gasoline. The difference is how it mixes the fuel, air and a spark to trigger the combustion process. For gasoline engines, the fuel and air are mixed prior to combustion in the carburetor or via an electronic fuel injection system. Gasoline engines operate more quickly than diesel engines because of lighter components.

When to Choose a Diesel Engine Vehicle

As a rule of thumb, if your fleet is traveling shorter distances, gasoline is your better option, as diesel engines are better suited for long-distance travel. However, if your vehicle must haul heavy equipment or a trailer, even if the distance is short, a diesel truck engine could be preferable.

Economics

Diesel fuel is generally more expensive than gasoline, but not by much. In October 2011, the national average showed a difference of about 30 cents per gallon. The difference is all but wiped out when you consider the efficiency of the fuel you are using. Diesel engines, especially when used for long distances, are considerably more efficient, and diesel fuel could actually end up costing less. By contrast, a gasoline engine could be cheaper for fleets that make shorter trips.

Environmental Considerations

There is a growing concern regarding the environmental implications of today’s transportation options. Governments worldwide are inclined to reward businesses that opt for newer technology, such as hybrid engines and electric vehicles. However, the debate between diesel and gasoline engines as the more environmentally friendly option is unsettled.

Naturally, the vapors released by diesel engines have been the cause of much of the debate. While it’s true that modern diesel engines have significantly reduced the vapors they emit, the levels are still higher than with gasoline engines. It’s worth noting, however, that gasoline engines release more carbon dioxide, which has been said to contribute to global climate change.

Another argument in favor of diesel engines says that because the engines are more efficient for longer trips, they are the environmentally friendly option for certain transportation fleets.

When making your decision, consider the purpose of your fleet and weigh the pros and cons of each.

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