New-Age Diesel Developments

Even though hybrid gas/electric cars are getting a lot of press these days, with some used models selling for more than when new, the consensus of auto-industry watchers focuses on the diesel as the immediate future for both fuel economy and emissions standards. Of course, the diesel won't solve long-term fossil fuel problems, but recent developments indicate that it represents an interim step in the right direction while the world waits for hybrids and alternative fuel technologies to meet U.S. market demands.

Tax Credits
Indeed, President Bush wants to add newer, cleaner diesel vehicles to his energy proposal, with $2.5 billion in tax credits over 10 years to buyers of high-mileage vehicles. Consumers would get a credit, up to $4,000, depending on the level of a vehicle's fuel efficiency, if they purchase a hybrid or clean-diesel vehicle.


In line with that proposal, on the technology front, a 20-member team at the EPA has developed a "clean" diesel car engine at its lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Using the agency's advanced technology budget of about $12 million, the EPA has developed an engine that's already on license to Ford. The EPA's concept reduces nitrous oxide emissions to near-zero by combusting at low temperatures-below 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

EPA Concept
What the EPA crew conceived was a way to multiply the amount of oxygen-free exhaust re-circulated into the combustion chamber and thus raising pressure of fuel being forced into the cylinder. This may be the solution that will free up diesel engines for trucks and cars (all brands), not merely Jeep Liberty, VW cars and full-size trucks at present.


New developments on the refining of diesel may have an impact as well. Gas-to-liquid refining process holds promise for affordable and cleaner diesel substitute. Gas-to-liquid (GTL) produces virtually no-sulfur diesel fuel from natural gas, and ChevronTexaco is investing in this new refining technology. Also, with GTL diesel having extremely low (0-5-ppm) sulfur, aromatics, and toxics, GTL fuel can be blended with current non-complying California Air Resources Board (CARB) diesel fuel to make a cleaner diesel fuel that meets stringent diesel fuel standards. Compared to typical California diesel fuel, GTL produces 20-25% less hydrocarbons, 35-40% less carbon monoxide, 5% less nitrous oxides, and 30% less particulate matter.