According To General Motors, Diesel Still Outperforms EVs In Key Areas

Large electric cars, such as workhorse trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck and three-row SUVs, have begun flooding the market. Large EVs are not necessarily the best option for long-distance carrying, though, since heavy high-voltage batteries have an impact on weight, range, and towing capability.

This leaves an opportunity for a reliable diesel powertrain. John Barta, Assistant Chief Design Engineer for Duramax at General Motors, emphasized the driving qualities of the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine in a recent press release. The Duramax provides powerful low-end torque at low rpm, enhancing towing and hauling performance without requiring much effort, in contrast to EVs, which are recognized for quick torque.

“We get 95 percent of the maximum torque at 1500 rpm, without the engine screaming, without high rpms. It feels great. It’s great for driving around town without having to race the engine from Point A to Point B,” Barta said.

Still Doing the Heavy Lifting

With 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque, the Duramax inline-six outperforms the optional 6.2-liter V8’s 460 lb-ft. Diesel vehicles are no longer as relevant as they once were, particularly in the United States, where they are now mostly restricted to truck-based vehicles due to the growing popularity of hybrids. Nevertheless, the Duramax has an exhaust gas recirculation technology that aims to lower emissions.

The Duramax has a competitive range in addition to powerful low-end torque. The engine gives the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD an estimated 624 miles of highway range, according to the EPA. In contrast, the Silverado EV has the longest range of any electric truck available in the United States, with an EPA-estimated range of up to 493 miles. In actuality, this means that long rides will require fewer fuel stops, but many EVs will need to spend more time plugged in at a charging station.

The GM executive stated, “This engine is perfect for somebody who has a moderately sized RV or another similar trailer or someone who likes to take road vacations.”

Diesel Stays in Play

The 3.0-liter Duramax is available across several GM models, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban, as well as the GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL.

• Also See: 1,300 Employees Were Placed On Forced Leave By General Motors