Is there a chance that innovative technology could ensure the continuity of diesel's role in shipping and commercial vehicles?
In the realm of transportation, the shipping and logistics industry is making significant strides towards a greener future. A key focus lies in the use of diesel engines, which power approximately 99.91% of the United States' trucking fleet [1].
Recent innovations have introduced a graphene liquid concentrate, a product that enhances fuel efficiency during increased engine loads and improves diesel engine performance in generators [2]. This concentration, with each bottle containing 50 doses, offers an economical option for large fleets [3].
The product can be safely used in any mineral or synthetic oil used in internal combustion engines, making it a versatile solution [4]. Fleet managers may consider adding this product to some trucks in their fleet and comparing their performance over time to trucks without it.
Another approach to reducing emissions is the adoption of near-zero-emission vehicles, which incorporate components that lower their polluting effects, such as selective catalytic reduction systems [5]. As of now, 57% of the US trucking fleet runs on near-zero-emission technologies [6].
The role of a diesel mechanic is evolving with the influx of technological improvements. With average starting salaries of over $24 per hour, the industry is attracting professionals who can adapt to these advancements [7].
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used in the shipping and trucking industry. For instance, an international group of researchers has built an AI system that accelerates the process of finding fuel mixtures to reduce emissions [8]. AI is also used in formulating biodiesel from used cooking oils, supporting cleaner diesel operations and greener alternatives [9].
One logistics client runs 50 trucks daily and has several battery-electric vehicles and high-voltage charging stations to complement its diesel models [10]. However, challenges like charging station locations and government grant eligibility can make diesel upgrades more feasible [11].
In the context of the trucking industry, the transition towards greener diesel use primarily involves advanced combustion-based diesel engines combined with increased adoption of renewable diesel and biodiesel fuels. This approach balances near-term infrastructure and market realities while moving towards lower emissions.
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) is a significant player in this transition. They have reprioritized their investment strategy, emphasizing diesel powertrain development over near-term battery-electric or hydrogen vehicles [12]. Their strategy involves ongoing improvements to diesel engine efficiency and emissions performance, with new engine generation production starting in 2026 and plans to ensure competitiveness well beyond 2030 [13].
DTNA's heavy-duty diesel engine platform (HDEP) supports scalability and customization across markets, enabling optimized designs for varying load and speed requirements, which aids efficiency gains and emissions reductions [14].
Pending federal tax incentives aiming to restore credits for renewable and biodiesel fuels could further boost their adoption in fleets, offering cost-effective emissions reductions without needing new vehicle technologies [15].
While natural gas (CNG and LNG) trucks are more common than battery-electric or hydrogen alternatives in heavy-duty fleets, diesel remains dominant. Battery-electric trucks compose a very small fleet percentage, partly due to infrastructure and regulatory challenges influencing adoption rates [16][17].
The trucking industry is navigating a complex regulatory environment with some emissions standards repealed or under legal challenge. However, partnerships like the Clean Truck Partnership reflect ongoing pressure to pursue lower emissions technologies, including cleaner diesel and alternative fuels [17].
In California, operations like Forum Mobility are making the transition to electric vehicles simpler for busy leaders. They offer trucks and chargers through a subscription model, with typical subscription costs for their services being the same or lower than the expenses to run conventional fleets [18]. This approach can speed up the transition to electric vehicles, even for those who primarily use diesel.
In conclusion, the transition towards greener diesel use in heavy trucks is a multi-faceted strategy that balances short- and long-term pathways to lower emissions while maintaining operational viability. The use of advanced diesel engines, renewable diesel, biodiesel, AI, and innovative business models like Forum Mobility's are driving this transition.
[1] Trucking Info
[2] Graphene Concentrate
[3] Fleet Owner
[4] Trucks.com
[5] EPA
[6] EPA
[7] BLS
[8] Science Direct
[9] Forbes
[10] Trucks.com
[11] Trucks.com
[12] DTNA
[13] DTNA
[14] DTNA
[15] Fleet Owner
[16] Trucks.com
[17] Trucks.com
[18] Forum Mobility
- The global transportation industry is making progress towards a greener future, particularly in the shipping and logistics sector, where the focus is on diesel engines.
- A novel product called graphene liquid concentrate has been introduced, promising to enhance fuel efficiency during increased engine loads and improve diesel engine performance in generators.
- This product, with each bottle containing 50 doses, offers an economical solution for large fleets, making it a potential addition for fleet managers considering green alternatives.
- Another approach to reducing emissions in the trucking industry involves the adoption of near-zero-emission vehicles, which incorporate components that lower their polluting effects, such as selective catalytic reduction systems.
- The role of a diesel mechanic is evolving with advancements in technology, offering high starting salaries due to the need for professionals who can adapt to these advancements.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the shipping and trucking industry to find fuel mixtures that reduce emissions and formulate biodiesel from used cooking oils.
- In California, a subscription model for electric trucks and chargers from a company like Forum Mobility can speed up the transition to electric vehicles, even for those primarily using diesel-powered trucks.
