Energy Usage and Other Comparisons Between Gasoline and Diesel Medium Duty Trucks

Fuel consumption and other operating data on comparable diesel and gasoline trucks have been compiled from the records of the Maine Department of Transportation. The trucks, from the Maine highway maintenance fleet, have a GVW of approximately 24,000 pounds.

Information on the use of other petroleum based products, such as engine oil and lubricants, and on required engine maintenance are given. In addition, fuel economies for the diesel and gasoline trucks by year during winter and summer operations are compared to enable consideration of seasonal effects.

The data is for a four year operating period from 1972 through 1976 representing fiscal years 1973 through 1976.

In general, the diesel trucks used approximately one-third less fuel than comparable gasoline trucks.