DADvocate

Looking at the potential replacements, electricity, hydrogen, alcohol and diesel, for gasoline to power our vehicles, diesel appears to have a definite advantage. Diesel typically comes from the same crude oil as gasoline. But diesel can come from many other sources, also, coal, oil shale, via recycling plastics and other waste products and algae.

Current diesel engines will run on these fuels with little or no modification of the engine. Diesel engines have the power and reliability to handle any of the tasks we ask of our cars and trucks. Plus, diesel satisfies one other requirement, the macho factor.

Many men, and a few women, like thundering, pavement shaking engines that draw attention and a little fear. Diesels can do this. Hybrids can't and may electrocute a someone in the event of an accident. Hydrogen is too dangerous. Alcohol can't be produced in large enough quantities to supply demand. Alcohol also ignites too easily and burns with an almost invisible flame which can fool others

We already have millions of diesels on the road. Several guys I know have switched out the computer chips to improve performance of their machines. They run quite well. Amateur mechanics everywhere are waiting to create the new generation of diesel based hot rods. This insures the success of diesel as the fuel of the future. It is already being greeted with open arms by everyone from from eco-freaks to good ole boys in pickup trucks.