Over time the love for diesel and diesel engine cars has been on the decline and there are multiple reasons why.
In 2018, we wrote that diesel car sale figures had fallen by 30% and now in 2024 we are seeing reports that sales of diesel car sales have fallen further – 15.1% less in 2022, and the estimated share of new car sales is estimated to fall as low as 3% by 2028.
As demands for diesel bans have increased in lots of European cities due to pollution levels and increased knowledge how diesel fumes contribute to incidence of cancer because of the high level of nitrogen oxides and particulates (as featured in a World Health Organization report), there has been further worry for drivers that their diesel cars will be unsellable and unusable in the near future.
The advantages and disadvantages of diesel
We still stand that using diesel in cars can have both advantages and disadvantages. With many drivers being apprehensive about whether a diesel car is the right fit for them, it is important to know the good features and the bad features before purchasing.
Advantages of using diesel cars
- Cars that have a diesel engine can use up to 30% less fuel than a petrol car, making them more efficient.
- Cars with a diesel engine generally last a long time on the road, even up to 30 years. Maintenance and care is needed to keep the engine healthy.
- Diesel engines offer considerably more pulling power than petrol engines which makes them great for towing or carrying heavy loads often.
Disadvantages of using diesel cars
- Although diesel as a fuel used to be less money than petrol, it now costs the same amount or more. Diesel is still widely used for commercial vehicles and industrial and home generators. So, if the need for diesel is still there or increasing, the price will as well.
- The cost of buying a used diesel car has increased as more car manufacturers have stopped producing new models. This has forced many people to switch to petrol or electric, especially with incentives to buy electric cars on the rise.
- Diesel cars require regular use on motorways and dual carriage ways as the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) can become clogged and be costly to fix.
Impact of diesel on the environment
Although diesel is the most efficient type of fuel, it does have negative effects on the environment. Diesel is one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution issues in the world and with the increase in diesel vehicles and equipment powered by diesel, the global emissions are forever growing.
Diesel emissions contribute to pollution in water, soil and air, global climate change, visibility reduction and the development of cancer, cardiovascular health effects and respiratory issues.
The future of diesel
Using diesel can be very advantageous in certain situations, and has proved to be extremely useful in the past. However, with pressure on car manufacturers to reduce emissions even further, petrol and electric vehicles have taken the lead in the popularity charts and diesel vehicles have seen a massive decline, and we will likely continue to see this as electric vehicles take over.
