Biofuel vehicles decreased the United States’ reliance on conventional imported oil as biofuel is made from natural resources and blends containing vegetable oil and even soybeans. In addition, these vehicles are friendly to the environment since they release less carbon dioxide than conventional cars.
Many automakers produce cars that can be integrated with these biofuel alternatives, including Audi, BMW, and Dodge. Typically, small to no modifications are required to run a biofuel approved car, which means vehicles are pre-equipped with biofuel capabilities. This simplifies the ordering process for new car owners who want to use this clean fuel technology.
Types
More than 15 types of vehicles using biodiesel fuel have been launched by manufacturers. Among the biofuel and biodiesel trucks available are the 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 and the 2009 Ford Super Duty. Some of those that would be ready for 2010 onwards are the Ford F-150 Light Truck and GM’s Chevrolet Silverado.
Compact cars, trucks, and sports vehicles with biofuel capabilities have also been produced. The Touareg, Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportswagen TDI are the 2009 Volkswagen models that can run on biofuels. The Mercedes Benz R320, the Dodge Sprinter Van and the BMW 335d are other vehicles with this capability.
Considerations
The care and maintenance of vehicles that use biofuel is very similar to that of conventional fuel cars. However, there are two problems to watch out for: algae growth in the fuel tank and mud build-up. These two problems can block the fuel filter, affecting the performance of the biofuel. To avoid these problems, you should change your fuel filter regularly, use algaecides to control algae growth, and keep your fuel tank full so there is no opportunity for algae or sludge growth.
Meaning
During 2008, the availability of fuel for US consumers experienced growth, expanding to more than 2,800 retailers and distributors with supplies of biofuel, according to the National Biosiesel Board. In addition, about 700 biofuels were produced in the United States in 2008. By 2015, the National Biodiesel Board set its goal to replace the equivalent of 5 percent of circulating vehicles in the United States with vehicles that use biofuel.
Advantage
Biofuels emit about 15 percent less carbon dioxide than conventional vehicles. Furthermore, one biofuel in particular, biodiesel B20, can reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 20 percent and carbon monoxide by 12 percent. Biofuels are also biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a more efficient renewable resource than conventional petroleum fuel.
Fuel economy
According to the National Biodiesel Board, biofuel vehicles can increase fuel efficiency by as much as 40 percent in some cases. For example, the 2009 BMW 335d received 36 miles per gallon (15.5 km / l) using biofuel while on conventional gasoline it got only 26 (11 km / l).
