For the first six years of running my business I ran only vehicles with petrol engines. Even after I got my first diesel (1990) I still kept a petrol Renault Trafic for a further three years.
I switched to diesel because, it seemed, everyone I spoke to told me that diesels - even though they cost at least £1,000 extra, at that time - were better work horses and more economical to run. Bear in mind that the cost of diesel was much lower than petrol back then too, so it seemed to make sense.
Even today I still run diesel vehicles. An old Ford Courier van and a Mercedes 220 car. The Mercedes gives me 50-55 miles to a gallon on medium to long runs. The van seems to go on forever on a tank of fuel.
However, in the last few years, diesel run vehicles have taken a bit of a bashing because they emit more harmful particulates. I think, under EU law (please correct me if I've got this wrong) all new diesel vehicles have to be fitted with a particulate filter now.
There's been a lot of talk about petrol engines once again becoming the dominant engine for vehicles on Europe's roads. France plans to ban diesel engined cars from Paris city centre by 2020 and London Mayor, Boris Johnson, is considered doing the same. France has even declared that it will completely ban diesel powered cars from its roads.
I was interested in an article on today's BBC that talks of a fightback by the The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders which calls for an end to the 'demonisation' of diesel powered vehicles.
Diesel engines might not be doomed after all. Under EU law, cars built after September 2015 will not be allowed to emit greater 60 milligrams of Nitrogen Oxide - the greatest concern to human health.
To give an example of how Nitrogen Oxide emission allowances have been slashed, a diesel car built after December 1992 is allowed to emit 490 milligrams of Nitrogen Oxide.
To my mind it makes sense to find a way of making diesel engines a lot safer until alternative power units - such as electric motors - become more efficient and more mainstream.
What are your thoughts on diesel powered trucks and cars. Are environmental concerns your concern?
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Having a diesel powered van 13reg it never occurred to me look at petrol, and no salesman mentioned any options. It seemed that all vans ran on diesel. I noted that electric vans were coming, but what power, capacity and range would they have. There are large areas around here, with no fuel station let alone gas or electric. Infrastructure is required, but who will install it?
I think there are huge advances to be made in diesel fuelled vans! unfortunately the Gov/EU pushed the improvements in petrol.
Ford have a 1.0L petrol in fiestas providing the equivalent of a 1.6 or similar! So surely they can do this to diesel engines to.
I noticed Ad Blue is starting to creep into use in the new line of vans emerging to the market. Basically it helps reduce the Nitrogen Oxide emitted from the exhaust.