UPS has embraced using biodiesel in their vehicles. It's good to see a Fortune 500 companies use biodiesel, especially one in the transportation sector, where thousands of gallons of diesel are consumed daily. We wish more would follow this business model.

Ford is putting its money where it's mouth is. A story is coming out of Detroit that has Ford believing diesel hybrid cars will be the next big thing in automotive world. They Reflex is a diesel hybrid that gets 65 mpg. Additionally, it also has solar cells for auxillary power. We're excited about this news and hope more manufacturers come to this realization as well.

The Volkswagen Jetta TD Cup will be racing on biodiesel this year, reports DomesticFuel.com.  They will be using a B5 blend for the 2009 season. We'd certainly like them to use a higher percentage, but B5 is a start. I am sure they will see the benefits of biodiesel's lubricity.

 

 

Finally a fuel efficient car for the rest of us - The NY Times posts that Mercedes is thinking about bringing in a clean diesel that gets 44mpg to the US. Are you interested? We are. And the best part about it is that it's a 4 cylinder. That's right. Will most people care? We dont't think so. Being 'green' and getting good fuel economy has become hip. Mercedes would hit the nail on the head when they bring this in. And the best part would be this could become a competition by auto manufacturers which could result in more diesel vehicles brought to the market! 

The New 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI recevfed Motorweek's Driver Choice Award.  Efficient. Clean. Green. Fun to drive. And can use biodiesel.  What else can you ask for?

From Motorweek - "Consumers these days are demanding new cars be clean, green, and efficient. Yet, they don't want to give up comfort and fun-to-drive in their pursuit to be responsible. And, no car lives up to that lofty standard better than our 2009 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice pick as Best of the Year, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta TDI is the first diesel to win MotorWeek's top honor, and the first clean diesel car to be available in all 50 states."  

 

Let's talk vehicles.

You have decided to use biodiesel, but, alas, you do not have a diesel vehicle. What should you purchase? What are the best vehicles for biodiesel? Remember, ALL diesel vehicles can use biodiesel that meets ASTM standards. Below is a small list of the most popular vehicles that have proven to be problem-free while running biodiesel.

What makes a good vehicle for biodiesel? There are three main items that I feel make when considering a biodiesel vehicle candidate:

1) A proven and reliable record of the same vehicle using biodiesel
2) A stout Injector Pump (IP) for one. An IP is the diesel equivalent of what a fuel injection system is to a petrol vehicle.
3) A good support local or online support group/forum

I can answer #1 and #2 at the same time. Below is a list of vehicle that have good injector pumps. Additionally, because of the reliability of their IP, they have a proven and reliable history with other biodiesel advcoates who have used biodiesel. Here they are:

Chevy/GMC
- All Chevy/GMC Suburbans/Blazers/Yukons/Tahoes and pickup trucks having the 6.2 and 6.5L engines. The last year for these was 1999

Dodge
- All Dodge trucks before the 24V 1998.5 model. The 24v models do not have quite as stout an IP. If you have good fuel, you can use it, but the IPs on these generally need replacing every 100K miles

Ford
- All Ford pickups, vans and Excursions including the 6.9L, 7.3L. The last year of the 7.3L was 2003

Isuzu
- 1984-1985 Isuzu Troopers

Mercedes Benz
- 1981-1985 300D, 300TD, 300SD
- 1984-1988 190D
- 1990-1993 300D (With quakity fuel, you may use newer years up until 1999)

Toyota
- Toyota Land Cruisers, last Canadian year was 1987
- Toyota pickups

Volkswagens
-All Volwagens before 2003. If your fuel meets ASTM standards, you can use 2004 and 2005 models as well (These have higher PSI in their injector pumps, which make them less tolerant than 2003 and older models.

These are the more popular vechiles which have proven to be excellent candidates for using biodiesel. Before you purchase one though, you should do your research and find out what to look for, as a lot of these vehciles are older models. Use the forums and search engines. Each model has areas that one should look for. And of course, have it checked by a mechanic if possible.

The third question will take a little research on your part. But, most of the above automobile makers have online forums - and in some cases local groups - that can and do offer an extensive support for getting started with biodiesel, as well as addressing any concerns or problems that one may encounter.

Finally, you should remember that you will need to fuel your vehicle with biodiesel. So if you're ready to dive in and start making your own biodiesel, head on over to MakeYourOwnFuel and purchase The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Own Fuel today!