Diesel Engines in India: Where Do They Stand?
The automotive industry in India is changing rapidly. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, and discussions about hydrogen-powered vehicles are becoming louder. However, diesel engines, which have been the backbone of India’s transport and machinery sectors for decades, remain essential in many areas. While their use is gradually declining, diesel engines are likely to stay relevant for a longer transition period than many might predict.
Let’s explore why diesel engines will continue to coexist with new technologies before they are fully phased out.
Why Diesel Stays Relevant for Now
Diesel engines have always been valued for their power and fuel efficiency, especially in sectors like logistics, construction, and farming. Yet, their use has dropped significantly in urban areas due to several factors:
• Decline in Passenger Cars: Diesel cars once dominated Indian roads, making up 58% of sales in FY2013. By FY2023, this had plummeted to below 19%. The reasons include stricter pollution norms, rising fuel costs, and the growing appeal of EVs. Automakers like Maruti Suzuki, for instance, have entirely exited the diesel passenger car segment, citing compliance challenges.
• Rising Diesel Prices: Over the last decade, diesel prices have nearly doubled. The government’s decision to withdraw subsidies, which once made diesel more affordable, further dampened demand.
• Stricter Emission Norms: Bharat Stage VI (BS6) rules and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) standards have significantly increased the costs of producing diesel engines, impacting both manufacturers and buyers.
Despite these challenges, diesel engines remain indispensable in areas where EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles are still impractical.
Diesel Powers Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Trucks, buses, and construction equipment continue to rely on diesel for their high power output and ability to handle heavy loads and long trips. Replacing these vehicles with EVs or hydrogen-powered alternatives is a long-term goal but faces several hurdles:
• Infrastructure Gaps: According to a NITI Aayog report, India needs over 2.9 million public EV charging stations by 2030 to support the EV ecosystem. The current count falls far short of this target.
• High Costs: Batteries for electric trucks remain expensive, and hydrogen technology is still in its nascent stages, with limited refueling stations nationwide.
Until these gaps are addressed, diesel will remain the most practical choice for long-distance and high-load applications.
Agriculture’s Dependence on Diesel
In rural India, diesel is indispensable for tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps. The limited charging infrastructure in villages and the high upfront costs of EVs make diesel the most practical option for farmers. Advanced technologies like common rail direct injection (CRDI) ensure diesel engines are fuel-efficient and reliable, perfectly suited to farming needs.
Cleaner Diesel Technology
Diesel engines have become much cleaner and more efficient thanks to advancements in technology:
• CRDI Technology: It reduces emissions, improves mileage, and makes engines quieter. Companies like Mahindra have incorporated CRDI systems into their popular tractor models to meet environmental standards without compromising performance.
• Emission Controls: Features like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) ensure compliance with BS6 norms, making modern diesel engines significantly cleaner than their predecessors.
Should Diesel Car Owners Be Concerned?
Diesel car owners need not worry just yet. Modern diesel engines meet stringent BS6 norms and are equipped with advanced technologies like CRDI, making them cleaner and more efficient. For instance, Tata Motors’ BS6-compliant diesel SUVs continue to be popular among Indian buyers for their torque-heavy performance and reliability.
Furthermore, diesel-electric hybrids and bio-diesel blends offer a viable bridge to cleaner energy solutions while EV charging stations and hydrogen refueling points are being developed.
OEMs remain committed to providing spare parts and service support for the entire lifespan of diesel vehicles, ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience. Given India’s gradual transition to EVs, diesel cars remain a practical and dependable choice for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: Why Diesel Remains Relevant
While the use of diesel engines is declining, they won’t disappear anytime soon. In sectors like transport, construction, and agriculture, diesel remains crucial due to its practicality and cost-efficiency. For instance, India’s construction industry, projected to grow at 8.9% annually until 2026, will rely heavily on diesel-powered machinery to meet its goals.
The transition to EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles will undoubtedly accelerate, but diesel engines will continue to play a vital role in India’s energy mix for years to come. This extended transition period gives businesses and diesel users the opportunity to adapt, invest in cleaner technologies, and plan for the future. Diesel’s role may be evolving, but it still holds a significant place in India’s changing energy landscape.