[2143]

> My modern diesel

Thank goodness you drive a diesel.

Can somebody explain why people tend to prefer petrol engines for trucks America?

Doesn't diesels haul better, because of all that torque from a lower RPM, from a smaller engine?

[biftek]

> Doesn't diesels haul better

A majority of truck owners in the US will never haul anything more than groceries, and we love V8's

[kortex]

It does, but diesel is more expensive in most places (even accounting for better energy density), due to the structure of US refining industry. This sets the stage, and familiarity continues the trend.

More people drive gas, so more gas vehicles continue to be available.

Biodiesel along with moving more of these passenger trucks to diesel would go a long way toward reducing overall carbon, but cost is the main issue there.

[rascul]

> Can somebody explain why people tend to prefer petrol engines for trucks America?

Fuel and maintenance costs. Gasoline is currently $3.58/gallon here, and diesel almost $5/gallon. Also, diesel isn't necessary for most pickup truck usage. I would consider replacing my gasoline truck with diesel if I had to haul lots of weight often. I would also have to upgrade from a half ton. I have no problem hauling most building materials that I need for work, but I wouldn't want to move for example heavy equipment on a regular basis with my (comparatively) small gasoline truck.

[2143]

> Gasoline is currently $3.58/gallon here, and diesel almost $5/gallon

Why is diesel more expensive? Don't you get diesel earlier in the refinement process?

[aejnsn]

Demand for diesel has been higher as supply chains catch up. In general you are correct, but ULSD goes through a desulfurization process which makes diesel a cleaner fuel while increasing costs.

[weberer]

A lot of diesel vehicles can't pass America's emission standards of nitrogen oxides. Its the main driver behind Dieselgate.

[Multicomp]

Edit: delete, others have answered this better than I.

[2143]

You didn't have to. It would have been good to hear your perspective as well.