18 August 2025

Why Is Diesel Engine Technology Used in Trucks? Here's Why

In the transportation world, trucks are used for a variety of purposes. They not only distribute goods from one location to another, but also facilitate the movement of large loads at construction or mining sites.

To support reliable and powerful truck performance, diesel engine technology is required. But why are diesel engines so dominant in heavy vehicles like trucks?

Some Reasons for Diesel Engine Technology for Trucks

High Torque at Low RPMs

The main reason is its ability to produce high torque at low engine speeds. Torque is used to propel a vehicle from a standstill or climb a hill with a heavy load.

Diesel engines produce high torque even at low RPMs, around 2,000 RPM. This makes them suitable for heavy vehicles like trucks, especially when driving uphill or transporting heavy loads over long distances.

Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines also have higher thermal efficiency than gasoline engines. Diesel can convert fuel energy into motive power more quickly. Trucks themselves consume more fuel, so this efficiency is crucial for controlling operating costs.

High Durability

Diesel-engined trucks are also designed to withstand higher combustion pressures than other types of engines. Components such as the engine block, pistons, and injectors are made of strong and durable materials, resulting in a longer service life.

Effective for Heavy-Duty Transmission Systems

Large-duty transmission systems on trucks can be powered by diesel engines designed to withstand high loads while maintaining efficient truck operation. Furthermore, the use of diesel engines allows for engine braking, which can handle heavy downhill driving.

Use of Biodiesel

To protect the environment, many vehicles now use renewable energy. Diesel engines have this advantage by blending with biodiesel. Its use reduces carbon emissions from vehicles.

Various Diesel Engine Technologies for Trucks:

1. Common Rail Direct Injection is an injection system that allows for more precise control of fuel injection at high fuel pressure. The use of this common rail technology will improve fuel efficiency in trucks.
2. Variable Geometry Turbocharger technology increases air pressure in the combustion chamber according to engine speed and power requirements.
3. Diesel Particulate Filter (DFP) filters diesel particles to handle black smoke, a pollutant emitted by diesel-engined vehicles.
4. Diesel Emission Control Systems (DES) are a diesel emissions management system consisting of an exhaust gas recirculation system that channels exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber to maintain a suitable combustion temperature.

Meanwhile, a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SEC) system sprays a urea solution into the exhaust stream to convert NOx into nitrogen and water.

Conclusion

Diesel engine technology is a choice for trucks, offering various advantages that support their performance in tough terrain. With current technological advancements, diesel engines are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly, efficient, and sophisticated. Therefore, the role of diesel engines in the trucking industry is expected to remain for a long time to come.

Source: https://mc-group.id/article/detail/teknologi-mesin-diesel