ABSTRACT
Diesel engines are also more fuel efficient than spark-ignited flexible fuel vehicle engines. Flex-fuel engines are unique because they can run on gasoline, ethanol-based fuel, and/or other ratios of these fuels. Diesel engine production might even increase to several thousand dollars higher if aftertreatment systems need to be incorporated. Aftertreatment technologies needed to meet new emission regulations are available and vary in technology type from one maker to another. A number of alternative propulsion systems are being evaluated by vehicle OEMs, government bodies, and research establishments. Fuel cells, hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen IC engines are all being presented as possible solutions to help reduce US dependency on foreign oil. In Europe, where reductions in fuel consumption have been accepted voluntarily by the car companies, the diesel engine is currently the main solution to the fuel equation.
