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Diesel: Dirty and efficient
Diesel is normally cheaper than gas because it requires less refining, and diesel vehicles are up to 40% more fuel efficient and emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are also long-lasting and give excellent performance. Diesels are good, but they aren’t perfect. They emit more particulate matter--tiny particles of soot-- and more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) than their gas-powered brethren which contribute to smog. Unlike some alternative fuels, diesel-powered vehicles can stop and fill up at the nearest truck stop, but finding a neighborhood service station could be more difficult. Another problem with buying diesels is the lack of vehicle choices. Very few models are available with diesel engines. Like gasoline, diesel is a fossil fuel that isn’t renewable. Diesel may be dirty, but the fact that it is better for the climate than conventional gasoline makes it worthy of consideration.
Next>> Biodiesel: Would you like fries with that?
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