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Fuel speed ahead
Hybrid electric: Get you motor runnin’
Diesel: Dirty and efficient
Biodiesel: Would you like fries with that?
Ethanol: Just don’t drink it
Natural gas & Propane: If it’s good enough for BBQ...
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Diesel: Dirty and efficient

Diesel vehicles are among the most popular alternative fuels in Canada and Europe. And with good reason.

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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