Dízel

Dízel is the Hungarian term for diesel, used to refer to both diesel fuel and diesel-powered technology. The word derives from the surname Diesel, in reference to Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the compression-ignition engine. In everyday Hungarian usage, dízel denotes automotive diesel fuel as well as diesel engines and vehicles.

Diesel fuel is a distillate hydrocarbon used in compression-ignition engines. In Europe, road diesel typically conforms to the EN 590 specification, which sets requirements for performance, cetane number, sulfur content, and cold-weather properties. In recent decades, fuels with very low sulfur content and blends such as biodiesel (FAME) or renewable diesel have become common. Diesel engines are valued for high thermal efficiency and high torque at low speeds, making them widely used in cars, heavy‑duty trucks, ships, locomotives, and power generation.

Environmental aspects: Diesel engines produce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, leading to emissions controls such as exhaust gas aftertreatment (diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction). Regulations have reduced sulfur in fuels to enable advanced emission controls. Market trends include ultra-low sulfur diesel, renewable diesel blends, and electrification in certain segments.

History: Rudolf Diesel patented the diesel engine in 1892, and the technology gradually spread worldwide, becoming a dominant propulsion system in the 20th century. The term dízel entered common Hungarian usage to name both the fuel and the engines powered by it.