Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from vegetable crops and/or used cooking oil, and is a low carbon alternative to fossil-derived diesel. Today, fuel suppliers are allowed to blend biodiesel, manufactured to EN 14214 standards, into regular road diesel (up to 7%). This 7% blend, known as B7, is compatible with any vehicle. Some manufacturers design their vehicles to operate on higher biodiesel blends, normally up to a 30% blend (B30).
- There are currently no incentives for using biodiesel over standard fuels.
Fit for purpose
- There are no operational restrictions. A vehicle running on biodiesel also maintains the ability to run on regular diesel, which can be used in the same tank.
- Vehicle payload and load space are unaffected.
- Biodiesel blends are mainly available from supplier facilities. If these are not convenient, a storage tank and dispenser can be installed at your depot.
- A good quality biodiesel manufactured to the EN 14214 standard should be used.
Operational performance
- A vehicle’s fuel delivery system has to be designed to work with biodiesel and manufacturers will recommend more frequent maintenance.
- Same mileage on full tank as diesel
- Ideal operation: city, suburbs, motorway. Back to base.
Environmental Performance
- Tailpipe emissions are unaffected, but as biodiesel is a renewable fuel, fuel life-cycle CO2 reductions of around 28% are available when using B30 manufactured from used cooking oil.
- Biodiesel vehicles normally emit less particulate matter with similar, or marginally increased, NOx emissions.
- You should ensure that the biodiesel used is from sustainable sources. Biodiesel manufactured from used cooking oil has a very low environmental impact as it is a waste material and does not require food crops to be grown to produce it.
Compared to diesel:
- Tailpipe CO2 – similar
- Fuel life-cycle CO2 – 28% saving using B30 from used cooking oil
- Similar air quality
- Similar noise.