Diesel powerplants could prove to be a clean alternative to gasoline engines in the interim leading up to the electrification of the automobile, but high diesel prices at the pump could stall the movement before it gets any momentum. Because of this, some of the world’s top automakers are making sure their voices are heard in Washington.
Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, pleaded the automakers’ case for lower diesel prices at a hearing held on Tuesday by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers represents the Big Three, Toyota , Mercedes-Benz , Volkswagen and four other automakers, according to Automotive News.
The alliance’s main concern is that the high cost of diesel fuel will discourage buyers from even considering diesel-powered vehicles. Although diesels still have a rather unfavorable reputation in the U.S., new 50-state clean diesels are actually just as clean – or even cleaner – than their gasoline counterparts. In addition, diesels offer between 20 and 40 percent better fuel economy, resulting in lower CO2 emissions.
Despite diesel’s higher cost of entry – due to the exhaust treatment components needed to make diesels 50-state legal – consumer could actually see a cost savings compared to gasoline-powered cars if diesel prices would come down to the same level as gas. As it stands now, diesel averages about $.25 more per gallon than gasoline.
With some analysts predicting a 14 percent market share for diesels in the U.S. by late next decade, it would seem that diesel prices would have to come down within the next few years to garner that kind of consumer acceptance that quickly.
