New regulations on diesel could improve vehicle performance and deliver substantial savings for drivers. A report published today suggests that customers of Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's will soon benefit from a major step forward in diesel engines.
Weichai Power, a Chinese company, has set a new global benchmark with its high-tech diesel engine, which has achieved an impressive thermal efficiency of 53.09%, according to a study it conducted. Their research indicates that a truck travelling around 250,000 kilometres (155,000 miles) a year could save around 12,000 litres of diesel fuel.
In addition, given the current price of diesel, which is 158.13 pence per litre, companies using the most efficient engines could save £18,960 a year. It has been reported that most diesel engines have an estimated efficiency rating of around 45 per cent.
Businesses and organisations may decide to stick with internal combustion and diesel engines instead of converting to electricity and other greener options because of the significant cost savings.
The organisation added that it would continue to develop the technology, with thousands of engineers working in its research department. However, the 8p price difference at the pump between diesel and unleaded shows that diesel drivers are still facing high costs due to rising fuel prices.
Diesel Industry Efficiency in the Spotlight
Researchers observed that the greener petrol diesel engines are expected to conserve 31 million litres of petrol per year and reduce CO2 emissions by using ninety-seven million litres. In a video message, the CEO of TüV SÜD North Asia, Mr Dirk von Wahl, congratulated Weichai.
Current data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that 23,312 diesel cars were purchased in the UK in March 2024, demonstrating the consistent reputation of these cars.
Furthermore, Mr He believes that Weichai's most recent achievements are unprecedented globally and far exceed existing standards. Weichai Power Chairman, Tan Xuguang, attributed the steady progress in diesel engine thermal efficiency to the unwavering commitment of Weichai's engineers, who worked for nearly 4,000 days and nights.
TÜV SÜD North Asia Managing Director Von Wahl said the achievement highlighted not only Weichai's strong medical research capabilities, but also its technical prowess in the internal combustion engine industry.
Wahl expressed his belief that this technological milestone will significantly support China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and green development initiatives, while also contributing to the sustainable growth, energy conservation, and emissions reduction of industries worldwide.