Diesel fuel and those who refine it have worked hard over the past several decades to make the fuel more environmentally friendly, and a better fuel for a truck’s engine.
While natural gas is a rising diesel fuel alternative, experts are hard at work developing different kinds of diesel fuel alternates: like a better diesel fuel.
In November, Shell announced the launch of its new diesel formulation, Shell Diesel FiT (Fuel injection Technology), at more than 60 Shell stations in Waco-Temple, Texas area and in the Seattle, Wash. area.
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The new diesel formulation, according to Shell, provides three way protection to guard against performance-robbing build-up on fuel injectors, and provides enhanced anti-corrosion and anti-wear protection to help maintain diesel engine performance.
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An additional fourth level of protection helps prevent fuel gelling in cold climates, Shell says.
Jim Macias, a senior fuels technology manager for Shell, says Diesel FiT is well-suited for the evolving cleaner-burning diesel fuel market demand because it’s designed for use in both traditional and new ultra-clean diesel engines with advanced emission controls.
And the formulation launch is well-timed. The number of consumer-owned diesel vehicles increased 24 percent across the country in the past two years, and trends predict the number of diesel cars, pickups and SUVs will more than double in the next two years.
Right now, the new blend is only available in Texas and Washington, but Shell says the company will evaluate the results of the market trials and assess its next steps for the product. If the decision is made to continue with the blend, it may be rolled-out to additional select U.S. markets in a phased manner.
