Diesel engines have a major image problem right now. We give you seven good reasons why diesel drive systems have a future despite the talk of driving bans.
1. Nitrogen Oxide Levels Are Decreasing
We are showing marked (downward) progress here. Although traffic volumes have more than doubled in Germany since 1990, nitrogen oxide levels have dropped sharply. In 1990 we produced around 2.9 million tons whereas in 2015 that figure was only about 1.2 million.
2. Diesel Engines Are Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
The diesel is and will remain our most efficient and environmentally friendly combustion engine for passenger cars, as long as we control the nitrogen oxide levels. And we have done that, say experts like leading engine research Professor Thomas Koch, Director of the Institut für Kolbenmaschinen at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). According to Koch, the current diesel generation is the leader in sustainability among combustion drive systems currently available.
3. Our Diesels Are Frontrunners
Independent emissions measurements such as those for the ADAC EcoTestconfirm that modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen Group score very well, including under realistic conditions. Environmental Action Germany (DUH) has reached the same conclusion: our models accounted for seven of the ten cleanest diesel cars in a test by this association.
4. Our Diesels Drive Ahead
The latest generation of Euro 6 diesel cars from the Volkswagen Group already performs better than the new emissions standard that will go into effect in 2020.
5. Diesel Engines Improve Climate Results
Diesel engines also help meet greenhouse gas limits, because they are more efficient and emit up to 15 percent less CO2 than comparable gasoline engines. The results are even better for higher vehicle classes.
6. More New Diesels = Less Carbon Dioxide
Last year around half of new cars registered in Germany and Western Europe had diesel engines, which enabled the EU limit of 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer for new cars to be met. By the way, if all the new cars registered in Germany last year had had diesel engines, the country’s average new-car output would have been considerably below the limit at 119.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
7. Variety Is Key
The right drive system depends on the needs of the individual driver. This is also what KIT expert Thomas Koch says: “People who mainly drive short distances in cities are not well served by diesels. They will buy cars with gasoline engines or hybrid drives today, and maybe purely electrical cars in the future.” By contrast, a modern diesel engine is “the best solution for those who usually drive long distances”. Koch hopes that the future will also see a “reasonable mix of drive systems in which the diesel will continue to play an important role”.
Source: TOGETHER.net – Volkswagen AG
