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The triumph of hybrids or hybrids is nearing the end of diesel engines


Photo: TImurs Subhankulovs

Is it really time to say goodbye to diesel engines? The issue was raised in many media outlets when the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) published statistics for 2021 on new cars sold on the Old Continent.


Hybrids are gaining ground

Figures show that only 20 percent of all sales were diesel, or the same as hybrid cars. The largest piece of the market pie, or 40 percent, went to gasoline-powered cars, and 10 percent to electric-only vehicles. ACEA estimates that sales of diesel have almost doubled in the last four years.

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This trend is vividly illustrated by the change in the strategy of some manufacturers. Citroën, for example, is persistently pursuing its environmental goals and the brand’s new flagship, the C5 X, is not designed for a diesel engine. This machine, which has already been approved by reviewers, can be equipped with either one of the two petrol engines or a hybrid machine. But there are many similar examples on the market. Most of Toyota’s popular models are only available with a petrol or hybrid engine. Also, the self-ignition engine is not included in Lexus’ offer, and the same is true for Alfa Romeo models. Even Jeep has taken a solid course on electrification.

Some manufacturers are not so radical yet, but the future lies in electric propulsion. For example, Jaguar claims that all new models will be electric only from 2025; Ford and Renault plan to switch to electric drive in all passenger cars from 2030, but Hyundai is set to reach that goal in 2040.

Audi, for its part, recently announced that it would continue to offer the new-generation Q5 with a diesel engine, but BMW has set a target of having half of the cars sold electric by 2030.

It competes not only with electricity

Head and auto expert at AutoDNA, a leading car history testing company Agris Dulevičs explains that each manufacturer is planning its own transition period for the abandonment of diesel engines in vehicles destined for the European market. Justification – Diesel fuel burns more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which has a negative effect on air quality in densely populated areas.
“I think all manufacturers are faced with the dilemma of how to shape future product policy, and according to sales data, consider whether to keep one engine or the other, or perhaps stop production and focus on future solutions,” says a market expert.

Agris Dulevičs predicts that successful commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Citroën, Peugeot and Ford are likely to keep diesel engines, but statistics on passenger cars show that demand for diesel is shrinking, which is an encouraging signal to manufacturers. “It simply came to our notice then. I do not think that companies will return to diesels unless revolutionary combustion technology is introduced. This does not seem to me to be a very plausible scenario, ”Agris adds.

The specialist points to other important factors. Both manufacturers and buyers must take into account the European Commission’s ambitions and plans to reduce pollution, and these will not be possible without reducing the share of internal combustion engines. In addition, modern gasoline engines have become slightly more efficient or economical. This reduces the incentive to produce diesels, which now have to withstand competition from electric propulsion.

“However, there is no reason to say that the future will be absolutely electric. First of all, some car manufacturers believe that there will continue to be some buyers who do not want an electric car and look only at internal combustion machines. Secondly, research is continuing in all directions, and it is impossible to say what will happen in ten years’ time, let alone in the future, ”adds Agris.

One car replaces two

According to Agra Dulevich, rechargeable hybrids used in urban and suburban areas could have the greatest potential at the moment. You can travel to and from work using only electricity, while you can always refuel for long distances without worrying about the mileage. Most rechargeable hybrids are able to travel far enough to meet most everyday needs.

For example, the Citroën C5 X plug-in hybrid can travel up to 55 kilometers on a single charge, the similarly sized Volvo S60 up to 58 km and the Peugeot 508 PSE up to 42 km (according to WLTP).

“This is the case when one car plays the role of two vehicles, and it is important for buyers,” says Agris. He adds that research shows that there is still a lack of information in society about the potential of this technology: people often do not charge the battery and use the car as a normal hybrid.

This eliminates the key benefits of a rechargeable hybrid and raises concerns about the car’s environmental impact. “No matter what fuel a car runs on, it is the drivers who can make it greener – as long as they pay more attention to how they drive,” says the AutoDNA driver.

The Citroën C5 X rechargeable hybrid, for example, develops a remarkable 225 hp and 360 Nm of torque. If it charges 13.2 kWh of batteries regularly, the average petrol consumption on daily routes will be 1.3 liters per 100 km. In addition, it is a spacious and prestigious flagship of the brand. Other manufacturers declare similar consumption: the Audi A6 rechargeable hybrid requires 1.4-1.6 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers, while the sporty Peugeot 508 PSE requires around 2 liters.

The transition will be smooth

Most experts agree that the whole market cannot switch to electrified transport in an instant. Even if the state has sufficient electricity generation capacity, it takes time to develop charging infrastructure at both the public and private levels.

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Of course, more and more people will produce electricity themselves, cars will become even more economical and environmentally friendly, but this will not happen on a “hop! – and ready ‘. The transition to comprehensive electrification will be smooth but gradual.

“There is a certain amount of uncertainty at the moment. People are wondering which car to choose so that they don’t have to pay a lot of money and at the same time satisfy their natural desire not to harm the environment. In my opinion, it is worth focusing on what the best current technologies offer, but in the long run, the market will put everything in its place, ”the specialist sums up.

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