Eric blogs about the latest developments in soy-based fuels (or BioDiesel). Check out his “All Things Biofuel” where he discloses his private and public sector work in Biofuel.

“President & CEO of Tellurian Biodiesel. I have helped build successful companies as former investment banker (VP, Sigma Capital) and corporate attorney (Venture Law Group). I currently serve as the Chairman of the California Biodiesel Alliance and Chairman of the San Fracisco Biodiesel Taskforce.”

Eric also chairs the S.F. Dept of Environment task force -

http://www.sfenvironment.org/our_policies/overview.html?ssi=11

Biodiesel Letter To San Francisco Gas Stations

I thought I would share this letter from the San Francisco Biodiesel Taskforce to gas stations in San Francisco encouraging them to consider selling biodiesel at the pump.

Go San Francisco, Go!

June 6, 2007

Gas Station Owner
San Francisco, California

RE: Biodiesel: Environmentally Friendly, Renewable Diesel Fuel – Available Today

Dear Sir or Madam,

We would like to bring to your attention the exciting opportunity provided by America’s fastest growing alternative fuel, biodiesel. The City of San Francisco has adopted a policy to promote the use of biodiesel throughout the City and is considering adopting financial incentives to encourage existing gas stations to provide biodiesel at the pump. The City would greatly appreciate your consideration of offering biodiesel for sale at your San Francisco filling station.

Biodiesel is a safe, nontoxic and biodegradable substitute for petroleum diesel that is made from renewable vegetable oils, recycled cooking greases or animal fats. Biodiesel is designated under federal law as an ‘alternative fuel’ and is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a fuel and fuel additive. It can be blended with traditional petroleum diesel in any ratio, can be used in any diesel engine without need for mechanical alterations and is compatible with the existing petroleum diesel distribution and dispensing infrastructure.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has recognized biodiesel as the fastest growing alternative fuel. The biodiesel market is expected to grow from a couple hundred million gallons per year today to over one billion gallons per year by 2010. The DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), US EPA and Department of Transportation (DOT) have all embraced biodiesel as a means of reducing diesel engine emissions, lowering our dependence on imported petroleum fuel, and boosting the agricultural sector for our country.

Biodiesel is currently cost competitive with petroleum diesel. The City’s Biodiesel Access Taskforce is ready to help, free-of-charge, all interested station owners explore the potential of dispensing biodiesel at their stations. For more information, please contact Monica Fish, the Taskforce’s secretary at (415) 355-3709 or Monica.Fish@sfgov.org.

You can find more information on biodiesel at http://www.biodiesel.org/ and you can find more information on the SF Biodiesel Taskforce at:

http://www.sfenvironment.org/our_policies/overview.html?ssi=11

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Eric M. Bowen
Chair, San Francisco Biodiesel Access Taskforce

CR updates 2006 test on diesel, biodiesel and vegetable oil. Their conclusion:

“We experienced the best overall results using B5, the 5 percent biodiesel blend. It provided the best balance of performance, emissions, fuel economy, and convenience. B5 will run in any diesel engine without making vehicle modifications, and it is pumped into the tank just like any standard fuel. Because it is 95 percent petroleum diesel, however, it does little to wean drivers off fossil fuels.”

Here’s the full article below and more:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2006/greasing-our-wheels-making-a-diesel-run-on-cooking-oil-5-06/diesel-vs.-biodiesel-vs.-vegetable-oil/0605_grease-cars_ov.htm

Diesel vs. biodiesel vs. vegetable oil

We test homegrown fuel alternatives to gasoline
Last reviewed: April 2009

With gasoline prices volatile and the Obama administration committed to easing the United States’ addiction to oil, Americans seem to be taking more interest in alternative fuels, including those derived from farm crops and other renewable organic sources. Among the most widely available are biodiesel and vegetable oil, both of which can be used to power a diesel engine.

Developed from vegetable or animal fats, biodiesel is functionally identical to petroleum diesel. Adherents claim it pollutes much less than regular diesel.

Biodiesel is most commonly sold in blends with normal diesel. B5, which is 5 percent biodiesel and 95-percent petroleum diesel, sold for a penny a gallon more than regular diesel in January 2009 on nationwide average, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In the same report, pure biodiesel (B100) sold for $1.03 more per gallon than regular diesel. That price differential tends to shrink, however, as petroleum diesel gets more expensive than it is today.

A relative of biodiesel is plain, edible cooking oil. But because it’s not financially practical to fuel a car with cooking oil from grocery store shelves—since a gallon costs about $8—some people are modifying diesel engines to run on the used deep-fryer oil that restaurants often throw away. Discarded oil is sometimes available free, though more restaurants are now charging for it.

To see how biodiesel—both B5 and B100—and fryer grease compare with conventional petroleum diesel fuel, we converted a diesel-powered 2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI so that it could operate on all three. We found that they all allowed the car to perform well but differed in price and convenience. We experienced the best overall results using B5, the 5 percent biodiesel blend. It provided the best balance of performance, emissions, fuel economy, and convenience. B5 will run in any diesel engine without making vehicle modifications, and it is pumped into the tank just like any standard fuel. Because it is 95 percent petroleum diesel, however, it does little to wean drivers off fossil fuels.

In checking with a fuels engineer at a major automaker, we heard that modern clean diesels with high-pressure direct fuel injection, catalytic converters and other sophisticated emission controls may be less tolerant of impurities found in a lot of biodiesel.

Our Jetta ran well on the used cooking oil, but the inconvenience of locating fuel sources and preparing the oil for use in the engine limits its appeal and offsets its low price.

For more CR and its Green Car Guide –

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/green-car-guide/green-car-guide.htm

There’s a lot of CR free stuff. But some content is closed to subscribers. You can either do that, or go to your local library and find a hard copy.

By Mike Cubert

You’ve had enough of rising gas prices and it’s just about time to trade your old car in anyway. So you’re thinking about getting a biodiesel car, hoping that it will take some of the pressure off your pocketbook. Well, we have good news for you. Not only will a biodiesel vehicle save you money, but it will also help you take better care of the environment – with 78% lower emissions than a standard vehicle running petroleum-based fuel. But where do you get a biodiesel car, you wonder? Well, hold on to your driver’s license because the good news continues. Any diesel car is already a biodiesel car. Nothing has to be done to the vehicle at all except fill the tank with biodiesel fuel instead of regular diesel.

The first American company to release a “biodiesel car”, specifically designed to run best on B5 or 5% biodiesel, 95% conventional, petroleum-based diesel, was Chrysler with their 2005 Jeep Liberty. The other “blends” of biodiesel fuel you’ll most commonly find are B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel) and B100 (100% biodiesel), though it’s possible to make any mixture spanning the gamut. Interestingly enough, both B20 and B100 get the same great mileage, though the cost is slightly less for B20. The fuel emissions, harmful to both humans and our environment, however, are much lower in B100 than in B20 or any other blends, for that matter.

Showing outstanding support for the biodiesel car revolution (so to speak) Volkswagen, maker of many fine diesel vehicles (like the Beetle, Jetta, Touareg, and Golf TDIs – that’s for Turbo Diesel Injection), says that they will not void the warranty on your vehicle simply because you poured biodiesel fuel into the tank instead of conventional diesel. That’s more than most auto manufacturers can say, but it takes no psychic to predict that they’ll have to catch on sometime, adopting that or a similar stance if they are to keep their diesel businesses alive.

Now, the biodiesel car isn’t the only vehicle being redesigned to support and encourage use of the alternative fuel. Look at John Deere, who has plans to start shipping out all of its combines and tractors already filled with B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% diesel) blend. The Maltby Company is another, using 18,000 gallons of biodiesel fuel in their dump trucks, bulldozers, and other equipment for moving earth.

According to the National Biodiesel Board the single, largest consumers of biodiesel are fleets that are fueled at a central location, such as: city fleets, bus systems, military bases, school districts, and national parks. Part of the reason why could be the 1992 Energy Policy Act which mandates that state and federal fleets purchase vehicles that run on alternative fuels, such as the biodiesel car.

According to he U.S. DOE (Department of Energy), biodiesel fuel can potentially replace as much as 10% of the country’s conventional (petroleum-based) diesel diesel supply. No wonder so many service stations around the nation aren’t starting to offer fill-ups to the biodiesel vehicle. The Great Lake states seem to have the most biodiesel fill-up stations, with the East Coast, the Carolinas, and Tennesse following close behind. California and Texas have their fair share and, from there, every state in the U.S., barring Alaska and West Virginia, has at least one establishment where a biodiesel car can get its tank filled.

For more benefits of biodiesel, articles, reports, and discussions, please visit our Biodiesel Guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Cubert

By David Sieg

What are biodiesel cars?

• It’s a car whose fuel you can make at home.
• It’s a car that doesn’t depend on the high price of gasoline to get you to work.
• It’s a vehicle that is cleaner and more efficient than gas or regular diesel.
• It’s a car your friends are gonna envy.

Of course, most people won’t believe it at first. Then they’ll make up all kinds of reasons why biodiesel cars isn’t a good idea “for them.” Well, THEY HEARD, blah, blah, blah. Well, that’s cool. They’re correct, it’s not for some people. But if you want to needle them a little, all you have to do is ask them a simple question;
How much do they pay a month for fuel?

Watch the conversation lose steam real quick after that. Or if they are die-hards, remind them of these facts about biodiesel cars…(From the National Renewable Energy Laboratory document “Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines”

78.3% reduction in greenhouse gases
55.4% reduction of particulate emissions (black sooty cloud)
56.3% reduction of hydrocarbons
80-90% reduction of mutagenicity (cancer-causing agents)
100% reduction of sulfurs (a major component of acid rain.

Yes, it is entirely possible to eliminate Exxon Mobil from your daily commute. More people are using biodiesel cars everyday. Even more people will in the future. You will need a diesel car (or truck) of course. Many companies make them and more will in the future. Mercedes is one, (Come on, be honest. Wouldn’t you really like to have an old Mercedes to tool around town in?) Volkswagen is another. Jeep is also coming out with a new “Liberty” model already modified for biodiesel. With very little modification, (or none) these cars will run better, last longer, and trust me on this, smell a whole lot better.

You can easily brew up a tank over the weekend in the garage with a biodiesel kit, or the home built biodiesel processor you built from the pages on the web site below and cruise around town for the rest of the week in a biodiesel car whose exhaust smells like fresh pop corn! In which case NO CONVERSION is necessary.
So let’s go straight to the number one question…

“Is biodiesel conversion for my car/truck possible…?”

If you are thinking about using and/or brewing your own biodiesel, no conversion is necessary. You can run your car or truck on biodiesel no problem, and no conversion needed. “Conversion” refers to running your car/truck on straight vegetable oil (SVO) You got it right, slop some Canola in the tank and go. A lot of people are doing just that.

“How do I convert to biodiesel?”

Converting is a matter of understanding the principles involved, the weaknesses of SVO and planning around them. You need in essence two fuel tanks, one with diesel, one with biodiesel. You start the engine on diesel, then when it is warm, switch over to SVO. The web site below contain plans on how to “do-it-yourself.”

“What are the disadvantages to biodiesel conversion?

Like all things in life, there is a downside. For one, depending on where you live, in colder climates warming your engine and/or fuel maybe necessary. For another, if you are using waste vegetable oil there is time involved in filtering the oil, etc. Last, there will be the expense of either installing your own conversion kit, or buying a kit and having a mechanic do it.

For more information on all aspects of biodiesel cars, visit the web site below.

David Sieg is the Managing Director of Global Biotechnology Solutions, an American company based in Vietnam. His expertise is in real world application of alternative fuels and technologies for developing countries. He is also the author of the wildly popular http://www.making-biodiesel-at-home.com web site where he shares his knowledge freely to enable anyone to become energy independent.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sieg

http://ezinearticles.com/?Biodiesel-Cars:-Worth-the-Investment-or-Not?&id=273801

By Andrew Bicknell

With price of gas on a continual upswing the next time you are considering buying a new car or truck you might want to consider a car that runs on an alternate fuel source. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel source that many people are processing right in their own backyards, meaning that if your next vehicle is a biodiesel car you can fill up your tank without ever leaving home.

Biodiesel fuel is considered to be one of the most cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative fuel sources in the world today. It is made simply by refining vegetable oil in a biodiesel processor that can be purchased of any number of websites.

There are many companies and municipalities that are beginning to use biodiesel fuel. They are doing this to help reduce the fuels costs of their fleet of vehicles. These fuel savings can be passed onto consumers and taxpayers, which is a win-win for everyone. If biodiesel is being used in your area you may see vehicles such as buses, garbage trucks, and construction vehicles with stickers labeling them as biodiesel equipped.

Finding a biodiesel car or truck may not be as hard as you may think. Many car manufacturers are designing and building cares that run only on biodiesel fuel. Of course where you live may have an impact on finding a biodiesel car but if you talk to your local car dealer they can probably either order one or point you to a dealer who has access to biodiesel cars.

If you have talked to your local dealers and still are not having luck finding a biodiesel car many manufacturers are also offering biodiesel conversion kits. A conversion kit can work great if you already have a diesel car or truck, or if you are interested in buying a used diesel vehicle. Although the kits are a bit expensive the cost saving in fuel over the lifetime of the vehicle can more than make up for it. In many cases an older diesel engine will work fine with biodiesel without any modifications.

Nearly any vehicle that runs on regular diesel fuel is a good candidate to use biodiesel. Changing over to biodiesel if you currently have a diesel car or truck is a good idea that can save you thousands of dollars in fuel costs every year.

Do you want to know more about biodiesel cars and how to make biodiesel fuel? Click here and find out all about biodiesel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

By Joseph Then

Biodiesel is something that is starting to get a lot of attention. With high gas prices it is no surprise that alternative fuels are being seen as the next step in fueling our vehicles. Biodiesel is considered the best choice in alternative fuel because it burns clean, it is safe and it is cheap.

Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil. Using a renewable resource to get biodiesel means that with increased use the dependency on foreign oil will greatly diminish. Additionally, the profits for this country’s farmers will increase. The use of biodiesel essentially means a gain for the US economy. Additionally, biodiesel is safer for the environment as it does not produce harmful emissions or byproducts.

Biodiesel is unlike other alternative fuels in that it can be used in a regular diesel engine without the need for modifications. However, manufacturer warranties can become void when you use biodiesel. This is because manufactuers do not completely understand how prolonged use will effect the engine. So, if you use biodiesel in a vehicle that is not specifically made for biodiesel then you could risk voiding the warrenty.

A biodiesel car runs and works just like any other vehicle. It is just approved for use with biodiesel fuels. A biodiesel car is not a necessity to be able to use biodiesel fuel, but should a person be concerned about their warranty then a biodiesel car may be the best choice.

To take a look at a specific biodiesel car, there is the Bio-Beetle. This car was created because biodiesel fuel is so environmentally friendly. They are available as rental cars in both Florida and California. The Bio-Beetle uses the purest form of biodiesel. Some biodiesel sold as service stations only contains a fraction of biodiesel mixed with regular diesel. The Bio-Beetle is made to run on 100% biodiesel, not the blends.

There are many companies who are seeing the benefits of using biodiesel and who have started using biodiesel cars. In places where air pollution is a big concern, biodiesel cars are a great idea. Not only will using a biodiesel car keep pollution levels down, but it will also save money. Many large companies are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars every year using biodiesel cars.

Any car can be a biodiesel car, as mentioned. The main thing is the use of biodiesel fuel instead of regular fuel. Using biodiesel fuel is a smart choice. That is because biodiesel does not pollute the environment and costs far less then traditional fuel. In fact, biodiesel costs around 70 cents per gallon, which, as you know, is a far cry from the price of a gallon of traditional gas.

Any car can be a biodiesel car. The main thing is the use of biodiesel fuel instead of regular fuel. Using biodiesel fuel is a smart choice. That is because biodiesel does not pollute the environment and costs far less then traditional fuel. In fact, biodiesel costs around 70 cents per gallon, which, as you know, is a far cry from the price of a gallon of traditional gas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then

 By Daniel Roshard

In today’s society, Researchers in the United States and around the world are searching for ways to develop alternate forms of fuel. With the ever-rising fuel costs, developing alternate energy is a priority. Bio diesel was developed to combat the high gas and oil prices. It is especially made for use in bio diesel cars and trucks. Bio-diesel is made from all natural foods that produce oil. Oils such as vegetable, canola, peanut, rapeseed, palm and olive oil can be used as bio diesel fuel.

Virtually all oils that you use in your kitchen everyday can fuel one of these cars. It does not matter if the oil has been used, it can be strained and filtered and then used in the fuel tank. Biodiesel fuel is a better for the environment because it burns cleaner and does not pollute the atmosphere. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it the perfect fuel. Biodiesel fuel has been road tested and will get up to twenty-five miles to the gallon. That is better than some conventional mileage ratings.

Many car manufacturers are realizing that the bio diesel automobile is becoming more popular, and are jumping on the bandwagon and developing their own version of a biodiesel vehicle. They realize that the need for these vehicles will increase, and predict that they will be ready for the onslaught.

If you are interested in purchasing a bio diesel and do not know where to start looking, call local dealerships and ask if they offer this type of vehicle. Chances are that they either have bio diesel cars or can place a special order for you. You can also do a Google search to find a dealer that is close by. The least expensive biodiesel car’s price starts at approximately $20,000 dollars. Depending on the style of car, it can range up to $60,000 dollars. The only reported differences in driving a biodiesel car is that in some cases, the mileage per gallon is greater than a conventional car. If you want the convenience of a bio diesel car, and do not have the funds to buy one, there is always the option to buy a conversion kit. These kits allow you to convert your current vehicle into a bio diesel vehicle. The kits are relatively inexpensive compared to a new bio diesel car. They start at $600.00. Although it is recommended that you have a professional mechanic do all the necessary work, full instructions and a help line are included for the do-it-yourselfer.

A car with a diesel engine does not need to be converted into bio-diesel. However it is recommended that the hoses be replaces on any diesel car that was made before 1990. When the diesel engine was created in 1892, it was designed to run on peanut oil before diesel fuel, making it the changes unnecessary. It is however recommended that the engines of vehicles to be converted do not have rubber seals in them, as over time the oil will deteriorate the seals.

A biodiesel car is very easy to maintain. The only major problem that has been reported is that when the weather turns cold, the oil turns cloudy and in temperatures below 35 degrees, the oil can crystallize. The potential problem with this is that the crystals can plug the engine and not allow the fuel to flow properly. Special heating units are sold to keep the oil at a constant temperature.

The general public is being encouraged to purchase bio diesel vehicles. As an incentive, the government is offering special tax write offs for those who purchase bio diesel automobiles. In Hollywood, celebrities and activists who are earth conscience have made the commitment to drive biodiesel vehicles. At the moment, California has more biodiesel cars on the road than all other states combined. Daimler Chrysler will introduce its version of the biodiesel vehicle in the 2007. The Jeep Grand Cherokee CDR will be the first biodiesel SUV to hit the market.

It will run on soybean and vegetable oil, as well as grease from fast food restaurants. It is a little humorous to think that you will be able to order dinner and fill your fuel tank in the same place, but that may possible in the not too distant future. With the growth of the biodiesel cars, biodiesel fuel manufacturers are needed. Currently in the United States, there are sixty-five biodiesel producing plants and about eight hundred and fifty biodiesel service stations. Experts predict that a lot more will be opening over the next few years.

Check out the latest information about Biodiesel at http://biodiesel.zupatips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Roshard