Diesels
The diesel engine is the most efficient of all the types of internal-combustion engines, meaning that it extracts more mechanical energy from its fuel than other types of internal-combustion engines. It does this by compressing air to a high pressure and then injecting small amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber.
This highly compressed air creates high temperatures, which in turn causes the diesel fuel to burn without the spark plug that is a key component in a gasoline engine. It is the increased energy that gives diesel-powered vehicles their edge in fuel economy, all while maintaining performance of the engine.
Because it burns more efficiently, diesels contribute less C02 per kilometre than a gasoline vehicle. However, diesel fuel traditionally produces more air-polluting emissions.
Diesels of a few decades ago were traditionally noisy, smelly and emitted a lot of exhaust fumes. A typical misconception today is that they are still like this. But diesels today are quieter, more efficient and more civilized.
One of the downsides to diesel was that it was more expensive than gasoline. However over the past few years, the cost of diesel has steadily declined as the price of gasoline increased. As a result, diesel is now cheaper to purchase than gasoline in North America.
Currently in North America, diesel engines are offered by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. Other car companies are expected to release diesel options in a few years
For more information on how diesels work, click here
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