Clean Diesel Vehicles Available in the U.S.
Going diesel? Countless manufacturers offer diesel engine versions of their most popular rides to allow mainstream consumers to experience the power and efficiency of driving diesel.
Here at Automotive Training Center (ATC), our Automotive and Diesel Technology Program is committed to keeping our aspiring technicians up to speed on what’s happening in the diesel arena. Let’s take a look at what makes an engine a clean diesel and which vehicles offer these motors in the U.S.
What is Clean Diesel?
Diesel has long had its benefits at the pump, offering high MPG ratings, in addition to more pulling power and a more durable engine. Clean diesel is the diesel technology of today that harnesses diesel’s ability to provide more power per unit than gasoline in specially formulated engines that run on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel.
With the evolution of diesel fuel itself, ULSD releases less harmful emissions. Add this to updates to diesel engine technology such as turbocharging, electronic controls, and more, and diesel vehicles today are equipped to go the distance with nearly zero emissions.
Which Cars Have It?
BMW Sedans and SUVs—BMW diesel engines are built out of lightweight aluminum, further reducing consumption and maximizing performance at the pedal. The TwinPower Turbo design allows the BMW 328D, for example, to go an impressive 675 miles on one tank of fuel.
Chevrolet Cars, SUVs, Trucks, and Vans—Chevrolet has been the brand to offer the most diesel variety across its vehicle lineup. The diesel Cruze hatchback produces 90 percent less nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions, compared to previous-generation diesel engines, and meets North American Diesel Emissions Standards.
Jeep EcoDiesel SUVs—From towing a camper out to the campsite to venturing out over rocky territory, Jeep SUVs certainly benefit from diesel’s added torque. The Jeep Wrangler’s 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine gets up to 442 lb-ft of torque, while its 3.6-liter gas counterpart earns 260 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Your Interest in Diesel Technology
And that’s just the beginning! Ford’s full lineup of trucks, Ram pickups and passenger vans, upscale Land Rover SUVs, and so many more manufacturers, are tapping into the power of clean diesel technology, emphasizing how diesel can benefit countless industries and consumer applications.
If you’re fascinated by diesel engines, you’re not alone! Pursuing a future as an automotive diesel technician would allow you to work on these uniquely powerful pieces of equipment every day. In ATC’s Automotive and Diesel Technology Program, students learn the ABC’s of diesel operation theory, as well as the diagnosis, service, and repair of diesel engines, with a focus on truck and automotive applications.
One great way to figure out whether automotive and diesel technology training is right for you is to take a look at the day-to-day duties of a practicing diesel technician. See if diesel is the direction you’d like to take with your prospective automotive career by checking out this ATC post about a Day in the Life of a Diesel Technician.
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