R&D advances extend diesel lifeline in trucking

Diesel offers fleets the highest fuel efficiency for their money and the network is well established. Convincing truckers to shift will not be easy, writes Megan Lampinen

Diesel has long dominated the trucking segment. In the US, for example, it accounts for 97% of the Class 8 market, leaving CNG and gasoline a mere 2% and 1% share respectively. But diesel is prevalent throughout the commercial vehicle sector, not just heavy trucks—even the smaller models favour diesel engines for their low-end torque, energy efficiency, reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. For these reasons, diesel engines are found in 75% of today’s US Class 3-8 trucks….

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