The reasons for choosing a vehicle powered by a diesel engine and subsequent use of biodiesel fuels are many. There are very few drawbacks of making the change, other than the act of ridding one's mind of preconceptions, and the actual act of purchasing the diesel vehicle. Below we will try to concisely address each advantage, and spend a little time discussing why biodiesel is the best alternative fuel for our transition to a cleaner, self-sufficient future.

 

Miles Per Gallon: Probably the most obvious advantage of a diesel engine is it's ability to deliver far better economy than any gasoline rival. Today we realize that more than ever before the need to stretch each dollar to its maximum value. Also, today we find that we are definitely running out of fossil-oil at a rapid pace, and we have to find ways of cutting our consumption of it in any way we can. Diesel engines compress the air in their cylinders to far higher temperatures than their gasoline counterparts. This high compression temperature does away with the need for any spark plugs or other ignition devices, because the air is already hot enough to combust the diesel fuel when it is injected into the cylinder. Not only does this process negate the need for complicated electrical ignition equipment, but allows for the combustion process to be far more thermally efficient than in a gasoline engine. All this adds up to giving far better efficiency and thus far greater miles per gallon than any gasoline counterpart. On average, diesel engines are 40% more efficient than a gasoline engine of the same displacement or size. What this means is a diesel engine can average the same or better economy than most gasoline-electrical hybrids. Just imagine what kind of economy you could get out of a diesel-hybrid when they enter the market! Biodiesel fuel delivers the same performance and efficiency as petro-diesels, the only difference being it's cleaner, and renewable.

 

It's Sooo Clean:

This advantage has multiple facets. Biodiesel first is made from biomass; things like plants, and animal fats. When made from plants, the net carbon impact of burning biodiesel fuels is zero. The plants breathe in the same amount of carbon dioxide that the fuel burns off, creating a net-zero impact on the atmosphere as far as carbon dioxide is concerned. Biodiesel has no sulfur, unlike it's petrodiesel counterpart, because the biomass that makes it up doesn't contain any sulfur like the fossil fuel stuff does. Biodiesel is completely biodegradable, because it is a very simple hydrocarbon. If biodiesel is spilled, it simply breaks up and degrades naturally, without damaging the water or wildlife. Biodiesel is actually considered non-toxic because it contains no harmful or toxic components like other fossil fuels, it's safe to store or transport just about anywhere. Biodiesel also has a very high flash point, meaning it's very unlikely to explode like gasoline will.

 

It's Renewable: Possibly biodiesel's greatest asset is that it is a renewable resource. Unlike fossil fuels that don't procreate, biodiesel is made from plants that do. As long as wise growing practices are used, and enough land is available, biodiesel could be produced indefinitely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seamless Use in Diesel Engines: A huge advantage of a switch to biodiesel is it's ability to be seamlessly used in modern diesel engines to replace petrodiesel. Most biodiesel you will find today and in the near future is a blend of biodiesel and the petrodiesel. The number next to the 'B' is the percentage of biodiesel in the mixture. B20, for instance, has 20% biodiesel and 80% petrodiesel. Most if not all modern diesel engines, especially those vehicles manufactured after 1993, have no issue with going to 100% biodiesel, also called neat biodiesel, or B100. Of course you should always check with the manufacturer to find out which blend of biodiesel is preferred, so as to not void the warranty.

 

What's Not To Like? As we mentioned before, one would be hard to find a disadvantage to biodiesel. One of the biggest arguments against it is that it could potentially cut into the worlds food supply. This argument is defeated when one realizes that biodiesel can be made from sources like Algae, and already is being made from rapeseed, and safflower. Not too many people eat safflower or Algae, and both are potentially huge sources of the lipids necessary for biodiesel production. After one can look at diesel with a clear mind, free from old preconceptions, you will see there isn't much to dislike. And so much to potentially gain.