January 19, 2010
Useful Points As To Why Biodiesel Gains Acceptance From Big Auto
As the automotive industry becomes more sustainable and moves toward better fuel mileage efficiencies, longer-lasting engines and a significant reduction in carbon emissions, manufacturers have also been paying attention to improvements in diesel engines. As such, conventional petrol diesel now has an alternative low sulfur option and this is definitely of interest to those who want to use biodiesel in their vehicles.
Equipment manufacturers are now making diesel engine motors that can accept either biodiesel or low sulfur. We know that some blends of biodiesel can react with certain types of rubber compounds over time, most especially in older engines, but as better rubber compounds are developed, this problem is becoming less apparent. If bio diesel is mixed and not used in full strength, such issues appear to be almost non-existent, anyway.
Some consumers believe that should they use biodiesel in their cars they will void the warranty provided by the manufacturer. This is completely incorrect, as the diesel engined vehicle manufacturers all support the use of biodiesel. The US Environmental Protection Agency certifies biodiesel as the only alternative fuel so far and manufacturers are sitting up and taking notice of its potential. Within the automotive industry, senior executives can foresee that regulation is becoming much more likely as politicians react and they know that vehicles will be required with higher performance and greater sustainability.
More than 50% of all vehicles in Europe have diesel engines. This figure is probably 10 times as great as the ratio in the United States, but more manufacturers are planning to import or to produce diesel engine vehicles, as the inexorable trend toward smaller and more economic vehicles accelerates.
Within the last 10 years, interest in biodiesel in the US has grown considerably. It is said that more than 700,000,000 gallons are produced per year, comparing to just 1 million back in 1999. Considerable growth can be expected in the future. While there are presently 14 major companies with multimillion dollar manufacturing plants across the country, there are many hundreds of smaller or start-up operations in place.
These days, making biodiesel commercially is a viable proposition and some advocates are moving up from the production of homemade biodiesel by initially supplying other consumers within a locality and gradually expanding a business. To enable commercial production of biodiesel fuel, you need to get a certificate from the EPA and a number of grants and incentives may be applicable.
If you are not sure and pondering whether the adoption of biodiesel as your fuel of choice would be a good idea, just consider the advances of the trend toward sustainability. The US Congress is looking at legislation to force major energy consumers and polluters to cut back considerably. As this trend continues, consumers will increasingly demand that organisations and individuals become more sustainable and show evidence that they are complying; biodiesel fuel is ideally placed to contribute. If you're interested in helping the environment, and are looking for a way help others do the same, getting invovled with the production of biodiesel fuel is a great way to start!










