The Future Of Diesel Looks Grim, Thanks To Hybrids

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI engine (Credit: Volkswagen)

Diesel fans might not want to admit it, but Volkswagen’s Dieselgate drama has put diesels in serious danger. In fact, many people have been left questioning if oil burners are something that even should be on the market. Thanks to the expanding innovations of hybrid powertrains, it seems that the death of diesel could be coming sooner rather than later.

Duisburg-Essen University’s automotive research center just released a report that indicates diesel is becoming less popular in Europe, of all places. The big German automakers have seen a drop in diesel sales. Part of this is from buyers going with diesels from Asian brands because they don’t trust German automakers. But another thing that’s fueled the drop is Europeans skipping out on diesel completely.

People are still skeptical that other companies aren’t cheating on diesel emissions. It doesn’t matter if they are or aren’t, the damage is already done.

It seems that consumers in Europe and the United States are gravitating to hybrids as a substitute. The CEO of Volvo thinks the transition will take about a decade, so don’t expect to see diesel cars disappear overnight.

With the refinement of hybrid tech comes lower costs. Soon, hybrids will be cheaper than diesels, making them a no-brainer choice. If American automakers dedicate themselves to creating hybrid full-size pickups, that will only quicken the death of diesel.