When a friend named her son Diesel, I thought it was different. From Diesel clothing brand to actor Vin Diesel (AKA Mark Sinclair,) the old connotations of diesel as a stinky car fuel are nearly gone and forgotten, including the old-school fuel, itself.

Diesel cars and vehicles are "in" according to the non-profit Diesel Technology Forum, which strives to promote this fuel in its newest version --ultra low sulfur diesel or Clean Diesel.  Californians are embracing diesel according to the recently-released study from the organization which found a 23.74% increase in diesel cars & SUVs on California roads last year.  

California ranks #1 in diesel vehicles with #2 Massachusetts, #3 Nevada, #4 Rhode Island and #5 New York trailing close behind. The State of California actually has a "Drive Clean" department (driveclean.ca.gov) with information about diesel cars and list of 2015 models such as Audi A3, BMW 328d, and VW's Golf, Jetta, Passat and Beetle. According to the state's Greenhouse Gas Rating, some models of electric cars are cleanest and rank #10, followed by hybrid #9, gas cars and diesel cars #8.

Over 50% of California's gas stations now sell the new Clean Diesel fuel and if you decide to switch, Diesel Technology Forum offers a locator (dieselforum.org).

The Clean Diesel fuel contains 97% less sulfur than its predecessor, and this petroleum-based fuel has the highest energy density among transportation fuels. Combined with advanced engine designs, the diesel system enables emissions reductions of over 95% from vehicles and equipment.