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Biodiesel
is a form of diesel fuel manufactured from vegetable oils, animal
fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe, biodegradable,
and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.
Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended
with petroleum diesel. Common blends include B2 (2% biodiesel),
B5, and B20. B2 and B5 can be used safely in most diesel engines.
However, most vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using blends
greater than B5, and engine damage caused by higher blends is not covered by some manufacturer warranties. Check with your owner’s manual or vehicle manufacturer
to determine the right blend for your vehicle.
Note: You should never
fuel your vehicle with clean or used grease or vegetable oil that
has not been converted to biodiesel. It will damage your engine.
Biodiesel Compared to Petroleum Diesel
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Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Domestically produced from non-petroluem,
renewable resources
- Can be used in most diesel engines,
especially newer ones
- Less air pollutants (other than nitrogen
oxides) and greenhouse gases
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Safer to handle
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- Use of blends above B5 not yet warrantied
by auto makers
- Lower fuel economy and power (10%
lower for B100, 2% for B20)
- Currently more expensive
- More nitrogen oxide emissions
- B100 generally not suitable for use
in low temperatures
- Concerns about B100's impact on engine
durability
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Biodiesel prices vary across the country and tend
to be slightly higher than those for petroleum diesel. Visit DOE's
Alternative Fuel Station
Locator for locations of service stations selling biodiesel.
More Information
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Biotown, USA