|
Biodiesel,
Passenger Cars & Trucks
Modern Diesels
In 1993, seven federal agencies and
America’s big three automakers began a research and
development program called the Partnership for a New Generation
of Vehicles (PNGV). The goal of the program was to create
family sedans that achieved three times the fuel efficiency
while maintaining performance, safety and comfort of similar
vehicles. In 2000 General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler
each unveiled PNGV concept cars. Remarkably, all three vehicles
were diesel-electric hybrids. While America’s big three
did not initiate production of their prototypes, the PNGV
program showed that diesel-hybrid represents the most efficient
near-term vehicle technology available.
Diesel engines are about 30 percent
more efficient than gasoline engines. This means that a diesel
engine of the same displacement will produce about 30 percent
more horsepower or give 30 percent better fuel economy (or
30 percent less carbon dioxide emissions). Today’s diesel
engines are quieter, cleaner burning and more responsive than
earlier diesels. In Europe, where the cost of owning and operating
a passenger vehicle is significantly higher that the U.S.,
diesels already account for more than 40 percent of the passenger
car market. In the U.S, stringent laws adopted by California
and four northeast states have slowed the introduction of
diesel vehicles to the market. However, increasing fuel prices,
the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel, and new emissions
technology are making passenger diesel vehicles more attractive
to customers leading to more diesel option offerings by auto
manufacturers.
Biodiesel further enhances the advantages
of diesel by reducing vehicle emissions. B20 – a 20
percent blend of biodiesel and conventional diesel –
reduces emissions of hydrocarbons by 20 percent and carbon
monoxide and particulate emissions by 12 percent. It reduces
sulfur on average by 20 percent and is nontoxic and biodegradable.
Biodiesel is also a domestically produced, renewable resource
that contributes to the U.S. economy and independence from
foreign oil.
Using Biodiesel
Biodiesel blends operate in diesel
engines just like petroleum diesel. B20 works in any diesel
engine, usually with no modifications to the engine or the
fuel system. B20 also provides similar horsepower, torque,
and mileage as diesel.
Click
here for a Biodiesel Performance fact sheet.
Diesel Vehicles for Sale in the US
For more information about biodiesel
check out the following links:
What
is biodiesel?
What
are the benefits of using biodiesel?
How
do biodiesel emission compare to conventional diesel emissions?
What
do I need to know about using biodiesel?
Where can I find
biodiesel distributors?
Where can I get more information
about the Federal biodiesel tax credit?
How
will using biodiesel affect my new car vehicle warranty?
Support for biodiesel
Hundreds of U.S. fleets, representing
over 25,000 vehicles for commercial, government, utility and
transit use, currently run on biodiesel blends nationwide.
Biodiesel blends are also used increasingly in the farming,
mining and marine industries, as well as for heating oil and
electrical generation applications.
“Biofuel has far surpassed
any expectations I have had on performance, efficiency,
and cleanliness. At this point, I think it is far superior
to any petroleum-based diesel fuel available at present.
Because of the enhanced performance characteristics of biodiesel
as well as the environmental benefits, there is little or
no reason not to support this product -- not to mention
the added benefits of not having to rely on the Middle East
as a sole supplier of fuel for motor vehicles.”
Tommy Payne, Denton, TX
Biodiesel is “excellent.”
I “have had no problems and the operators like the
fuel.” OEMs [engine manufacturers] need to “get
on the bandwagon! They “have been dragging their feet
for too long on this fuel.”
Michael McClurkin, Harrisburg, PA
“In a similar fashion
to what was provided for ethanol blended gasoline, OEMs
can help to support the use of biodiesel by acknowledging
in their warranty materials, biodiesel’s suitability
for use as a fuel in their vehicles.”
Michael Ackerman, Jasper, IN
"Biodiesel cleans
the fuel delivery system, Our vehicles run great. The
emissions
are visibly improved."
Jonathan Baty, VW/Mercedes Owner
Redlands, California (click
for more)
Click
here to see a list of some of the other companies, organizations
and individuals that have contacted us regarding their use
of biodiesel.
For the latest OEM news:
OEM
Warranty Position Statements
Contact Diesel Engine and Automotive
Manufacturers
Most auto manufactures approve
up to the use of B5 – five percent biodiesel –
for their diesel engines. The National Biodiesel Board is
working with these companies to modify their warranty statements
to approve the use of up to B20. If you would like to support
the NBB and encourage these companies to show stronger support
for biodiesel, please send
a letter to the appropriate contact
listed below – we
have provided a sample letter for your convenience.
Please assist us
in advancing the biodiesel
product and in keeping this site current and
informative by completing a short survey. |
