Commercial trucks have made the shift to diesel technology because fleet owners recognize the long-term value of leveraging this type of engine and fuel.
While more than 97 percent of all U.S. Class 8 trucks — the class including tractor-trailers — run on diesel fuel, it seems strange this day in age for companies to debate whether they should have fleets of commercial trucks with gasoline or diesel engines. Commercial trucks have made the shift to diesel technology because fleet owners recognize the long-term value of leveraging this type of engine and fuel. In truth, cost determination for acquiring and maintaining these vehicles are important to consider, as it is typically in any business. However, when we compare gasoline and diesel engine performance and operation for commercial trucks, one can see why diesel engines amount to the superior choice.
Initial Investment
Acquiring vehicles for a commercial fleet requires a considerable investment in the first place. Commercial trucks equipped with diesel engines and that require diesel fuel can cost several thousand dollars more than gasoline-powered counterparts. The large gap in the initial investment can cause companies to balk at spending so much to purchase these vehicles. In some cases, smaller trucking companies may not even be able to afford diesel-powered trucks.
Maintenance and Fleet Service
Of course, fleet services encompass maintenance needs, which will add up for gasoline and diesel trucks alike. Oil changes, cost of fuel, part repairs and replacements, and other services are inevitable. The most important thing to note and consider is the cost of each service in conjunction with the frequency you should expect these services. Vehicles with diesel engines need these services less frequently than gas engine vehicles. Yet, when it comes time to replace an engine component or complete an oil change, each service for heavy-duty commercial trucks will cost more for diesel-powered vehicles.
Fuel Economy
The aspect that most influences carriers’ decision to have gasoline or diesel engines in their fleets is choosing the option with the best fuel economy. Advancements to gasoline engine design and manufacturing have made them far more fuel-efficient than ever in past years. When rated against diesel engines in best-case scenarios, gasoline engines perform impressively and closely rival diesel technology. But the reality is that everyday hauls and journeys don’t follow “best-case scenarios” for fuel-efficiency. In most cases, diesel engines have better torque efficiency to haul heavy freight for longer, while burning less diesel fuel than a gasoline engine would require in similar circumstances.
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