Skip to main content

ExxonMobil: Diesel to surpass gasoline as world’s top fuel by 2020

TDI badge
Image used with permission by copyright holder
ExxonMobil conjectured in a recent report that diesel fuel demand will surpass that of standard gasoline by 2020.

The report looked ahead to 2040 and forecasted that oil will still remain the world’s foremost fuel source. The report also wagered that hybrids will make up about 40-perecent of the world’s vehicle fleet by 2040, making up more than 50 percent of new car sales. As it presently stands, hybrids comprise nearly three percent of new car sales.

ExxonMobil also anticipates that electric and plug-in hybrids will see sales growth but will still be held back by cost and limited range hurdles according to Green Car Congress.

If the ExxonMobil report is correct, this means Volkswagen has things right. The German automaker puts great emphasis on diesel as the fuel of the future. Volkswagen sees a global automotive landscape populated by diesel hybrids, much like its new XL1 model.

Adding to diesel’s future growth is increased demand for commercial transportation in addition to light-duty vehicle fuel efficiencies, according to ExxonMobil.

While we take the ExxonMobil report with a grain of salt, as its success is based upon increasing fossil fuel consumption, we tend to agree with its findings. Where we differ, though, is in its less-than-optimistic view of EVs and plug-in hybrids.

With cars like the aforementioned VW XL1 and the Tesla Model S, we see a more diversified and successful future plug-in and EV market.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more