U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Program

Fact #393: October 10, 2005
More Interest in Diesel Engines

On September 22, 2005, a survey asked the question:

Assume that a new vehicle you want to buy has two engine options that are equally clean, dependable, powerful, odorless, and smooth running. One uses gasoline and the other uses diesel fuel and gets 40% more miles per gallon but costs $2000 more. Which engine option would you buy?

This same question was also asked in July 2001. The results of the two surveys show that the interest in diesel engines with better fuel economy has grown. In 2001, 27% of respondents said they would choose the diesel option, but in 2005 52% of respondents chose that option.

Engine Option Chosen by Survey Respondents
Response to survey taken in July 2001 and again in September 2005 on whether respondents would rather have a gasoline or diesel engine in a new vehicle.

Supporting Information

  Share of Respondents
  July 2001 September 2005
Diesel 27% 52%
Gasoline 71% 40%
Don't Know 2% 8%

Source: Opinion Research Corporation for National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Study #710288 (N = 989), July 1, 2001, and Study #714388 (N =1049), September 22, 2005.

 

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