OWN THE ROAD WITH AUTOTRADER, EPISODE 33: IS DIESEL DEAD?

EV Channels Review

This episode of 'On the Road with AutoTrader' delves into the current state of diesel vehicles, with hosts Dan and Jodi concluding that diesel cars are likely 'dead' for the mainstream market. They highlight the exceptional fuel efficiency of diesel engines, citing personal experiences achieving remarkably low fuel consumption on highway trips. However, this benefit is contrasted with the environmental concerns of diesel emissions, though newer models utilize DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) or particulate filters to mitigate this. The discussion touches on the historical reasons for diesel's unpopularity in North America, including poor initial reputations for noise and smoke, and the significant impact of the Volkswagen 'Dieselgate' scandal. While acknowledging diesel's continued relevance in heavy-duty trucks and some large SUVs due to their torque and towing capabilities, the hosts suggest that the rise of efficient hybrids and EVs has rendered diesel cars largely obsolete for passenger use. They also note the declining availability of diesel fuel at stations in Canada and the logistical challenges associated with servicing niche diesel vehicles.