Most trucks run on diesel because of its burning efficiency and high-torque capabilities. But with diesel prices so much higher than petrol right now, fuel management has become a non-negotiable for truck owners. Are there ways to use less fuel and manage fuel costs long-term?
We say there are, so keep reading Cartrack’s expert answers to your most urgent diesel price questions.
Diesel prices have surged to record levels above-and-beyond petrol prices mainly because of high demand. This demand stems from Middle East military action, especially the geopolitical unrest at the Strait of Hormuz. Other price factors include the cost of diesel production, diesel tax, and low supply.
Trucks run better on diesel because they’re heavy and require a higher torque than lighter vehicles. Diesel is also more efficient than petrol, and most trucks are driven for extensive hours on a regular basis, so they need a fuel type that sustains this demand.
It’s virtually impossible to predict geopolitical factors that would lead to this decision. It’s important to remember that both petrol and diesel vehicles come with their respective pros & cons. While diesel engines last longer and require less maintenance compared to petrol ones, maintenance is more expensive. At this point, diesel is more expensive than petrol, but this might change if the Middle East conflict comes to an end.
There are so many reactive ways you can use less fuel, but most of them only give you short-term savings. The best approach is PROACTIVE and LONG-TERM. This approach calls for a combination of fuel management technology and human planning, which involves real-time fuel monitoring, AI calculations, and actionable strategies presented by Cartrack’s fuel management software.
The comparison between diesel and petrol trucks depends on your fleet objectives. If you’re hauling large loads over long distances, diesel is probably going to work out cheaper considering the burning efficiency of diesel and the long gaps between truck engine maintenance. However, if your trucks are doing short distances and stopping often, and your loads are relatively light, it can be cheaper to opt for petrol trucks.
Beyond fuel savings, fleet costs and maintenance expenses can be better managed through proactive measures using AI-powered cost management systems. Cartrack offers a version of this through MiFleet, which gives you actionable insights into your expenses so that you can start saving from Day 1.
This depends on your daily fleet operations. It’s true that diesel is around 25% more efficient than petrol in terms of mileage, but that’s only relevant if your trucks are travelling long, uninterrupted distances. If your trucks make a lot of stops, this efficiency might fall by the wayside, because heating up a diesel engine takes longer compared to a petrol one.
Here are expert tips for truck owners on getting more value (and distance) out of every litre of fuel:
Diesel is more dense than petrol, which is why it’s around 25% more efficient. It’s designed to accommodate heavier vehicles that travel long distances without stopping while delivering a higher torque for heavy loads.
Cartrack offers a range of software options that directly impact the amount of fuel your trucks use. This includes route optimisation, predictive vehicle maintenance, and idling alerts. More importantly, we provide an intuitive fuel cost management platform that highlights areas of fuel waste and performs algorithms that help you take steps to improve efficiency.
Fuel management from Cartrack pays for itself, but the cost will depend on how many vehicles you have and what fuel monitoring strategies you employ. Our consultants are super helpful at creating a package that fits the unique requirements of your fleet, so give us a call to get the ball rolling.
For truck owners, the best way to transition to an EV is to do your research on brands that offer EV trucks. From there, use EV-friendly FMS from Cartrack to manage battery health, range anxiety, and charging point planning to get the most out of your EV truck.
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