Diesel powertrains vs battery electric powertrains explained

Diesel powertrains and battery electric powertrains each offer distinct advantages depending on the application. Diesel excels in long-distance travel, durability and versatility across industries like trucking, agriculture and mining, while electric powertrains are best suited for urban stop-and-go driving and offer zero tailpipe emissions with lower maintenance requirements.

Today’s clean diesel engines emit 90% less emissions than engines produced before 2000, and Cummins on-highway engines from 2007 onward are compatible with up to B20 biodiesel, offering a lower-emissions option for those not yet ready to switch to electric.

As technology and infrastructure continue to evolve, both powertrains play a role in the broader sustainability objectives for the transportation industry. Discover the differences between diesel powertrains and battery electric powertrains, and how both help us in our journey to reduce emissions.

Key differences between diesel and battery electric powertrains

The powertrain refers to a set of parts that work together to provide the power to move a vehicle.

Diesel powertrains use a diesel engine to power the vehicle. Diesel fuel is injected into the engine, which creates thermal energy through combustion and generates the power to move the vehicle. A diesel powertrain includes the transmission, drive shafts, differentials and axles that work together to move the vehicle.

In electric vehicles, the components of a powertrain are a bit different, but the basic idea is the same. Instead of an engine, there is an electric motor. Instead of a fuel tank, there is a battery.

The motor uses energy from the battery to spin the wheels. The powertrain includes power electronics, like an inverter, to control the speed and the power of the electric motor and a vehicle controller to align all the main and auxiliary power components based on energy needs and consumption. Depending on a customer’s application and needs, the powertrain can include either a single or multi-speed transmission.

Like how a diesel vehicle goes to a diesel station when it’s time to refuel, an electric vehicle would go to a charging station. There are different levels of charging stations available to meet the demands of electric commercial vehicles. The adoption of higher-power charging stations in the future will reduce the charge time to be similar to how long it takes to refill a diesel tank.

When we compare diesel engines and battery electric powertrains, they have their strengths and challenges. Electric vehicles lead the way in sustainability as they don’t emit carbon emissions when in operation. On the other hand, while diesel engines still emit emissions, diesel technology has improved. Today’s clean diesel engines emit 90% less emissions than the engines produced before the year 2000. Additionally, all Cummins’ automotive and industrial engines are compatible with B5 biodiesel. Cummins’ on-highway engine models from 2007 on (to today) are B20 compatible.

What are the advantages of diesel and battery electric powertrains?

Each powertrain type offers key advantages and benefits to customers. Electric powertrains are best suited for urban city transportation where drivers experience stop-and-go traffic more frequently. Each time an electric vehicle stops, energy is generated by the electric motor and fed back into the onboard energy storage system to be used for the next acceleration. Electric powertrains require limited maintenance as they do not have as many parts – no fuel filters, aftertreatment systems or additives.

There are also key advantages to diesel engines. Diesel engines are some of the most fuel and energy-efficient options in the market. They are a great option for long-distance travel, as diesel vehicles can travel 20% to 25% farther on a single gallon of fuel compared to similarly sized gasoline vehicles. In addition to their long-distance capabilities, diesel engines have a long lifespan, built tough to handle high compression and hard work. They deliver strong acceleration, towing and hauling potential.

For customers looking to reduce their emissions today, since 2007, all Cummins engines have been approved to use blends up to B20. 

Ultimately, there are many factors to consider when choosing if a diesel or battery electric powertrain is right for a customer – whether it meets their day-to-day needs, emissions targets or business goals all within their budget.