Katerina Swanson
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines, which are internal combustion engines that use compression to ignite the fuel without a spark. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, originally intended for it to run on coal dust or vegetable oil. However, today, diesel fuel is most commonly derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil, although alternative sources such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), and gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel are becoming more popular. Diesel fuel has a higher energy content and density than gasoline, making it more suitable for large trucks and heavy-duty tasks, and it is widely used in transportation, construction, farming, and military vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common use | Trucks, trains, boats, barges, public buses, school buses, farm equipment, construction equipment, military equipment |
| Engine type | Diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Liquid fuel |
| Fuel sources | Petroleum, biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, coal liquefaction |
| Fuel efficiency | Better than most other types of combustion engines |
| Peak efficiency | 75% |
| Average efficiency | 37% |
| Engine durability | Longer-lasting than gasoline engines |
| Engine maintenance | Requires less frequent maintenance than gasoline engines |
| Fuel viscosity | 40 °C |
| Fuel cost | More expensive than gasoline per gallon |
| Fuel mileage | Better mileage on the same amount of fuel compared to gasoline |
| Fuel density | Greater fuel density than gasoline |
| Fuel evaporation | Evaporates more slowly than gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 30% to 35% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of the same size |
| Fuel safety | Less flammable and less explosive than other fuels |
| Fuel types | Diesel #1, Diesel #2, Biodiesel, Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), Petrodiesel, Biomass to Liquid (BTL), Gas to Liquid (GTL) Diesel |
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Diesel fuel types
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil, heavy oil, or simply diesel, is a liquid fuel designed for use in diesel engines. Diesel engines are a type of internal combustion engine in which fuel ignition occurs without a spark due to the compression of inlet air and the subsequent injection of fuel. As such, diesel fuel requires good compression ignition characteristics.
The most common type of diesel fuel is a specific fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, known as petrodiesel in academic circles. This type of diesel fuel is produced by the fractional distillation of crude oil at high temperatures and atmospheric pressure, resulting in a mixture of carbon chains. However, alternatives that are not derived from petroleum, such as biodiesel, biomass-to-liquid (BTL), or gas-to-liquid (GTL) diesel, are becoming increasingly common. Biodiesel, for example, is considered an ecologically-friendly type of diesel made from renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, reducing dependence on overseas petroleum.
Diesel fuel grades are classified by cetane number, cloud point, and pour point. The cetane number indicates how quickly the fuel ignites, the cloud point marks the temperature at which wax crystals form and the fuel appears cloudy, and the pour point is the lowest temperature at which the fuel remains liquid. These characteristics are particularly important for cold-weather performance, as diesel fuel tends to increase in viscosity as temperatures decrease, turning into a gel that cannot flow in fuel systems. Diesel #1, for example, is more volatile than diesel #2, but it flows more easily and is more efficient in colder temperatures, making it ideal for winter use.
In addition to diesel #1 and diesel #2, there are several other types of diesel fuel. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), for instance, contains 15 parts per million or less of sulfur, resulting in lower emissions, improved engine performance, and better fuel economy. Dyed diesel, on the other hand, is dyed red to distinguish it from other types and is primarily used for off-road purposes, making it tax-exempt. Biodiesel, as mentioned earlier, is another type of diesel that can be mixed with any grade of fuel to cut emissions and improve lubrication. Premium diesel is also available from some retailers, offering Grade 2-D with additives for better fuel economy and smoother engine performance.
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Advantages of diesel fuel
Diesel fuel is a liquid fuel specifically designed for use in diesel engines, which are commonly found in trucks, trains, boats, and barges, and buses. Diesel engines are also used in farming, construction, and military equipment.
Efficiency and Performance
Diesel engines are generally known for their superior fuel efficiency compared to gasoline engines. Diesel vehicles can travel 20% to 35% farther on a single gallon of fuel than similarly-sized gasoline vehicles. Diesel engines can generate more power at lower RPMs, resulting in better acceleration, towing, and hauling potential. The fuel efficiency of a diesel engine can vary depending on factors such as engine design, vehicle type, driving conditions, and load.
Reliability and Durability
Diesel engines are more reliable and durable than gasoline engines. They have a longer engine service life and can operate for many more miles before requiring maintenance and repairs. The materials used in diesel engines are of a higher grade, making them less prone to stalling and more suitable for demanding construction and agricultural work.
Safety
Diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than other fuels, making it a safer option for transportation and backup power generation in hospitals, industrial facilities, and electric utilities.
Environmental Impact
While diesel engines have been associated with environmental concerns, advancements in engine technology and the use of alternative fuels have helped address these issues. Biodiesel, for example, is made from natural, renewable sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, reducing America's dependence on overseas petroleum. Biodiesel blends can also help achieve net-zero emissions.
Resale Value
Diesel engines have a higher resale value than gasoline engines due to their longevity and performance. Used diesel engines are in high demand, making them a better investment for vehicle owners.
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Diesel engines
Rudolf Diesel, the German engineer who invented the diesel engine, originally designed it to use coal dust as fuel. He also experimented with vegetable oil before the use of petroleum-based diesel fuel, which is now the most common type. Other sources of diesel fuel include biomass, animal fat, biogas, natural gas, and coal liquefaction.
The fuel efficiency of diesel engines is better than most other types of combustion engines due to their high compression ratio, high air-fuel equivalence ratio, and lack of intake air restrictions. The highest possible efficiency for a diesel engine is 75%, with large truck and bus engines achieving efficiencies of up to 45%.
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Biodiesel
However, there are also some drawbacks to biodiesel. It must be stored at the correct temperature as it can grow mould in warm conditions and thicken in cold conditions. Biodiesel also has worse performance in cold conditions compared to petroleum diesel. Additionally, while biodiesel's high lubricity can prevent premature fuel system wear and tear, it can also release deposits on tank walls and pipes, causing fuel filter clogs.
Overall, biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional diesel that can be used in most diesel vehicles. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and take steps to mitigate them, such as maintaining fuel filter maintenance.
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Diesel fuel tax
Diesel fuel, also known as diesel oil or heavy oil, is a liquid fuel designed for diesel engines. Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, originally intended for his engine to run on coal dust. However, diesel fuel today is most commonly derived from the fractional distillation of petroleum fuel oil.
In the United States, diesel fuel is subject to federal excise taxes. As of 2024, the federal excise tax rate on diesel fuel is 24.4 cents per gallon. This rate was last raised on October 1, 1993, and has not been adjusted for inflation, which increased by 111% from 1993 to December 2023. The excise tax on diesel fuel in the US also varies by state and locality. For instance, in California, the excise tax rate on diesel fuel is 45.4 cents per gallon, and it is set to increase to 46.6 cents per gallon in July 2025.
In addition to federal and state excise taxes, some states collect sales tax on diesel fuel. As of 2016, nineteen states and the District of Columbia have fuel taxes that fluctuate based on factors such as fuel price, inflation, and vehicle fuel economy. The average state and local taxes and fees on diesel fuel in the US amount to 35.89 cents per gallon, resulting in a total volume-weighted average fuel tax of 60.29 cents per gallon.
The revenue generated from diesel fuel taxes is used to support various purposes. For example, in the US, proceeds from the federal excise tax on diesel fuel partly contribute to the Highway Trust Fund. Additionally, some policy advisors advocate for higher diesel fuel taxes to fund the country's transportation infrastructure.
In other parts of the world, diesel fuel taxation varies. For instance, in the United Kingdom, diesel fuel for road use is typically referred to as "white diesel." There is also a reduced-tax agricultural diesel known as "red diesel," which is dyed red for identification. Using untaxed red diesel for regular road use can result in fines. Similarly, in the Republic of Ireland and Norway, diesel fuel is dyed green.
In India, taxes on diesel fuel are lower than on petrol because most transportation for essential commodities relies on diesel. On the other hand, taxes on biodiesel in the US vary by state, and biodiesel is considered an ecologically-friendly alternative due to its renewable and natural sources.
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Frequently asked questions
Truck diesel fuel is any liquid fuel designed for use in a diesel engine. The most common type of diesel fuel is a fractional distillate of petroleum fuel oil, but biodiesel and other alternatives are also available.
Diesel fuel has a higher energy content and greater fuel density than gasoline, making it more suitable for large vehicles like trucks that need to haul heavy loads. Diesel engines are also more durable and fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, which saves money in the long run.
Diesel #1 is more volatile but flows more easily and is more efficient in colder temperatures, so it is sometimes called winter diesel. Diesel #2 is ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Biodiesel, which is made from natural, renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats, is another type of diesel fuel that is considered more environmentally friendly.
