Great Suggestions As To Why Biodiesel Gains Acceptance From Big Auto
The automotive industry is slowly but surely becoming more sustainable and is thinking about producing cars with better mileage figures, engines with longevity, reductions in carbon emissions and is also looking at major improvements to diesel engines. Conventional petro diesel is being replaced by a low sulphur alternative and this is of benefit to those who use, or wish to use biodiesel in their vehicles.
Equipment manufacturers are producing diesel engines and components which are more suitable for both low sulphur diesel and biodiesel. While it is true that pure blends of biodiesel can damage certain rubber compounds over a period of time, especially in older diesel engines, this issue is likely to decrease as more stringent rubber compounds are used. 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 far from the truth as all manufacturers of diesel engine vehicles support the use of biodiesel in their engines. 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. Auto industry chiefs can see the trend toward regulation emerging on Capitol Hill and know that they are going to have to produce vehicles with better performance characteristics and long term 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.
Over a decade, interest in biodiesel has increased considerably in the USA. Today, more than 700 million gallons are produced annually, compared to less than 1 million in 1999. This industry is likely to grow significantly as we go forward. Across the country, 14 organisations have multimillion dollar manufacturing operations, but there are hundreds of fledgling and micro operations elsewhere.
Not surprisingly, making biodiesel commercially is an option that many are considering, in some cases moving up from homemade biodiesel production, supplying neighbours and friends in the locality as they start 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.
Those who are maybe sitting on the fence and who are unsure about the adoption of biodiesel as their chosen fuel should recognise the growing trend toward sustainability within our societies. The US Congress is looking at legislation to force major energy consumers and polluters to cut back considerably. This trend will certainly continue and consumers will demand that companies comply or face action and thus biodiesel fuel is well placed to play its part. 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!
