Category Archives: Vehicles

More (smaller) choices in alt fuel cars

Posted on April 29, 2013 | 1 Comment

Don’t need a Chevy Tahoe or a Ford F350? You are not alone. And while diesel passenger car registrations are on the rise – the choices for smaller cars compatible with biodiesel and Flex Fuel are not great. The good news is they are getting better. Here are a couple new options that do not require an addition to your garage.

The Dodge Dart FFV is a welcomed newcomer to renewable fuels with an entry price of $16,000. Chrysler hasn’t officially said when the Dart will become flex-fuel capable, but the 2.0-liter Tigershark engine is designed as an FFV. Chrysler and IAV representatives at the SAE World Congress at Cobo Hall reported the engine will be going into the 2014 Dart, which is due later this year.

Starting MSRP for the B20-ready diesel Chevy Cruze is reported to be $25,695, and GM plans to sell them in markets where its B20-approved Chevrolet Silverado diesel models have done well, including the West Coast. The 2014 Cruze is expected to move into production this summer (2013), and gets better mileage than most hybrids.

More than 33 light- and medium-duty diesel passenger cars and trucks, as well as heavy-duty diesel models from nearly 20 different brands, will be available in the market this year. In addition to its Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, Ford is introducing a new diesel model in its Ford Transit full size van which will also be approved for use with B20 biodiesel. Additionally, Chrysler’s new 2013 Ram Heavy Duty pickup features 6.7-liter Cummins High-Output Turbo Diesel powertrain. The 2013 Ram Heavy Duty diesel pickups are approved for general use with B20 by all customers beginning in January 2013.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Flex Fuel, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, Chevy Cruze, chevy diesel, diese cruze, diesel, dodge dart, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, FFV, Flex Fuel, flex fuel dodge, low-carbon fuel

Super Efficient Diesel-Electric Plug-Ins Abuzz at Geneva

Posted on March 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

To our delight, several manufacturers unveiled diesel-electric hybrid models at the Geneva Autoshow, including Volkswagen’s XL1 diesel-powered plug-in hybrid, touted as the “world’s most efficient car.” Reminiscent of a tictac on wheels, the XLI is a spacey, futuristic-styled two-seater claiming a whopping 261 miles per gallon fuel efficiency.

No word on how many of these snazzy little diesel-sippers will go into production or what the price tag might be (rumors suggest over six-figures), but we like the direction VW is headed. For more information, check out autoblog’s report.

Ready for more diesel-electric thrills from Geneva?

Subaru showed off the Viziv diesel hybrid crossover. A concept vehicle that is the poster child for Subaru’s ”Vision for Innovation,” the Viziv offers a glimpse into future design and technological direction for the company.

Mitsubishi also brought a diesel-hybrid concept to the spotlight in Geneva: the Concept GR-HEV, a Sport Utility Hybrid Truck. According to Autoblog, “the vehicle’s drivetrain is good for CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. For comparison’s sake, the global 2012 Ford Ranger emits 264 g/km when equipped with the 3.2-liter turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission.” Nice.

Learn more about current diesel vehicle options and cleaner fuels for diesel vehicles at www.propelfuels.com.

Photo Credits — Autoblog.com

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, concept cars, diesel, diesel hybrid, fuel efficiency, high mpg, hybrid, Jetta TDI, mitsubishi diesel, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, subaru diesel, Volkswagen TDI, VW

Chevy Endorses B20 for 2014 Clean Diesel Cruze

Posted on February 16, 2013 | Leave a comment

2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-front-side-view Biodiesel enthusiasts rejoice. After months — nay, years — of teasing, Chevy has formally announced a clean diesel version of their popular Cruze sedan, currently slated to join the 2014 lineup.

2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-front-view But wait, there’s more.

On top of offering up to 42 mpg highway and 90% less NOx than previous-gen diesel engines, Chevy’s clean diesel Cruze also boasts the automaker’s official seal of approval when it comes to Biodiesel B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel — a big win for fans of the cleaner-burning, more American-made fuel.

2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-rear-view-badge

2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-badge While any diesel vehicle can safely run B20 without conversion or modification, an increasing number of auto manufacturers are formally endorsing use of the fuel in their new clean diesel models. Ford, Chevy, Cummins, Isuzu and others have all adopted pro-B20 messages in recent years, with vehicles like Ford’s diesel F-Series Super Duty even bearing a leaf-adorned B20 addition on the vehicle’s iconic Powerstroke badge.

Until recently, diesel passenger vehicles in the US were limited to TDI models from VW, Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Entering the market at ~$25k MSRP and slated to enter production this summer, the Cruze is the first diesel sedan to enter the US market from an American automaker in recent history.

“This Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel represents a new era in diesel performance for American cars,” said Jens Wartha, GM chief engineer in a press release issued by GM earlier this week. “We’ve adapted a proven engine from Europe, the world’s diesel capital, and married it with the emissions-reducing technology that was perfected in the United States. It’s a great example of how Chevrolet’s global resources work harmoniously to produce the right product at the right time and for the right market.”

For those that associate diesel vehicles with rumbly, chugging engines, the diesel Cruze boasts several noise dampening extras that further hush the already-quiet 2.0L turbo diesel motor, including a unique dash mat, hood blanket and more.

Fuel efficiency, greener fueling and a quiet cabin? Sounds good to us.

For full details, view the full press release at GM.com.
To learn more about biodiesel, visit Propel Fuels.

Photo Credit – Chevy Cruze Images: MotorTrend.com

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Posted in Biodiesel, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged B20, Biodiesel, Chevrolet, Chevy B20, Chevy Cruze, Ford B20, Ford Superduty, Powerstroke, turbo diesel Cruze

Detroit Autoshow. We like what we see.

Posted on February 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

This year’s Detroit Autoshow boasted plenty of shiny, drool-worthy vehicles, and, as renewable fuel enthusiasts, a couple in particular caught our eye.

Diesel (!) Jeep Grand Cherokee.

First of all, we love our diesels, especially the re-release on American soil of an old favorite like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Chrysler’s new EcoDiesel V6 powers this off-roading champ. For all the specs and in-depth details, read Autoblog’s review on the Grand Cherokee’s comprehensive update.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Diesel-Hybrid.

Be still our efficiency-loving hearts! Did you just say DIESEL-HYBRID? Before you get your hopes up too much, for now it’s a concept only. According to Volkswagen, the three-row crossover has an estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg combined and a whopping 89 mpg in electric mode. Get the scoop from Autoblog.

X-Truck Plug-In Hybrid Concept.

It might be hard to tell but the X-Truck is a suped-up, highly-modified Chevy Silverado by Via Motors. The most obvious addition is the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which enables it to get the touted, but still unofficial, 100 miles per gallon. The truck still uses a 5.3-liter V8 from GM as a gas generator–when the battery is in a low state-of-charge, the generator kicks in and helps power up the battery packs. This begs the question: is the V8 Flex Fuel E85 compatible?! We certainly hope so!

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Posted in Biodiesel, Flex Fuel E85, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, detroit auto show, diesel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, Flex Fuel, flex fuel vehicle, green car, hybrid, low-carbon fuel, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, Volkswagen TDI, VW

New Clean Fuel Point is now open in Sacramento – Try Propel fuel for FREE!

Posted on September 13, 2012 | 2 Comments

Come get your fill of Flex Fuel E85 and Biodiesel B20 at Propel’s new Clean Fuel Point in Sacramento @ Mak’s Valero station, 1101 Broadway. During the Grand Opening event, try $10 of Flex Fuel E85 or Biodiesel B20 for FREE!

The Grand Opening celebration goes from Tuesday, September 11 through Friday, September 14, 10am – 7pm. Hope to see you all there!

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Posted in Biodiesel, Ethanol, Events, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, american fuel, American made, biodiesel driver, biofuel, biofuel feedstock, diesel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, flex fuel tahoe, ford diesel, ford ffv, global warming, Green Business, Jetta TDI, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer, Propel Fuels, renewable fuel, Volkswagen TDI

UW Students to Retrofit Chevy Malibu to Run on Propel Biodiesel

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

The UW EcoCAR2 Team Receives $25,000 in seed money to kick-off the design of their plug-in hybrid, biodiesel Chevy Malibu.

As part of a program sponsored by the US Department of Energy, a team of students from the University of Washington is engineering a design will convert a conventional 2013 Chevy Malibu into a plug-in hybrid also capable of running on biodiesel.

According to Biodiesel Magazine, the program — titled EcoCAR2 — kicked off in mid-April 2011. Sixteen teams from across the country were selected to participate in the competition, which is co-sponsored by General Motors. According to UW’s EcoCar2 team leader Trevor Crain, the challenge requires that the Malibu (donated by GM) becomes not only a plug-in hybrid but successfully runs on biodiesel B20, E10, E85, hydrogen or grid-sourced electricity.

By choosing biodiesel, the team hopes to convey that diesel engines can be highly efficient and clean — and while Crain’s team of 50+ students would like to fill the car with a high-blend biodiesel, program regulations cap the blend at B20. Propel Fuels, which operates several biodiesel retail locations in the greater Seattle area, will provide the fuel.

Spanning three years total, the EcoCAR2 competition begins with a year-long design phase, after which the vehicle will be delivered for actual modification and conversion.

For more information on the project, visit Biodiesel Magazine, or visit the University of Washington’s project website at www.uwecocar2.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Propel Customers, Vehicles

Tagged Biodiesel, Chevy Malibu, EcoCAR2, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, propel, University of Washington

2012 VW Passat TDI ranks #1 for fuel economy over hybrids

Posted on November 18, 2011 | 5 Comments

Consumers don’t often consider full-size options when on the hunt for fuel efficient vehicles; however, there is a new class of roomy sedans boasting better fuel economy than previous generations. Motor Trend put three of these super efficient sedans in a head-to-head comparison to see which would come out on top in a miles-per-gallon competition. The three vehicles compared include two hybrids, 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2012 Toyota Camry, and one diesel, 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI. After comparing road test mileage, driving experience and design, the VW Passat won hands down.

While the article had positive things to say about both the Hyundai and the Toyota, the Passat took first place by a long shot. With a highway rating of 40 mpg, on one tank of fuel the Passat can cruise the interstate for 740 miles without needing a pitstop. Add in a six-speed manual transmission and that range shoots up to 43 miles per gallon and 796 miles per tank. Overall, Motor Trend concludes that the superior trunk space (no pesky batteries infringing on storage capacity), “the first-rate steering and taut, lively suspension deliver a rewarding, responsive drive that can’t be matched in this group.”

New engines maximize ethanol’s power and MPGs

Posted on October 19, 2011 | 1 Comment

Most drivers like the power, price and renewable benefits of E85, but are looking for ways to increase MPGs. Engines designed with gasoline as the primary fuel are not maximizing ethanol’s potential, which can often lead to mileage penalties. However, new technology from manufactures like Ricardo is geared toward running efficiently with ethanol’s higher octane rating.

In a recent interview with Fleet Owner magazine, Robert Kozak, president of Atlantic Biomass Conversions pointed out that, “Such engine designs tap into the positive ability of ethanol to resist early ignition, thus regaining much of the previous fuel economy loss,” Kozak explained. “Higher octane ethanol makes an internal combustion engine operate more efficiently – up in the 30% to even 40% range – while it’s also priced lower than gasoline, on the order of 10 to 15%, because of its lower Btu or energy content.”

The goal is to produce direct injection engines that perform equal to if not more efficiently than current gasoline engines. And this is what Ricardo engine product group has developed in their ethanol boosted direct injection platform. According to Rod Beazley, director of Ricardo, Ethanol’s higher octane rating allows the fuel to withstand compression rates closer to that of diesel engines. The higher the compression rates the better an engine can translate energy into power.

These first steps toward boosting ethanol efficiency in heavy-duty engines opens the door for continued technology innovation and helps solidify ethanol as a desirable choice for drivers.

Chevy to offer diesel Cruze in US

Posted on July 28, 2011 | 1 Comment

Tired of having limited options in diesel passenger cars? We’ve got great news from GM. Chevrolet announced plans to bring a diesel model of the popular Cruze compact to America in 2013. Diesel versions of the Cruze are already offered in Europe to great success. This will finally bring some competition to Volkswagen and other European vehicle manufacturers that offer diesel passenger options in the US.

The gasoline version of the Cruze is already a hot seller, touting an EPA-rated 42 miles per gallon on the highway. The diesel model will no doubt provide even higher fuel economy and allow drivers the option to fuel with biodiesel.

While the Cruze will be Chevy’s first diesel passenger vehicle, the automaker is famous for a variety of diesel pickup trucks, as well as a range of flexible fuel vehicles designed to run on American-made Flex Fuel E85. To see a list of Chevrolet Flex Fuel Vehicles, visit Propel’s Drive E85 page.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Flex Fuel, Green Business, News Links, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, chevrolet diesel, chevy biodiesel, chevy diesel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business

Michigan Sheriff’s Fleet Saves with E85

Posted on June 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Low price at the pump combined with limited MPG-loss combine for significant savings.

Huron County Sheriff’s Office began an experiment last March that had the department testing blends of Ethanol from E50 to E85. The goal: saving the county money through its fleet of 12 flex-fuel vehicles.

Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson found that as long as ethanol prices are less per gallon than the price at the pump for unleaded fuel, it would result in a significant cost savings. “As it turns out, our patrol fleet, which is mainly Chevrolet Impala cars, averaged between 1.5 miles to 2 miles less per gallon on E85 as opposed to unleaded,” said Hanson.

The Department also experimented with E50 and found that there was just about a one mile per gallon difference.

“When we basically went and took a pencil to it, it was determined that as long as pricing patterns remained the same, E85 would be the better choice,” he said. “Obviously, we are going to have to continuously monitor price differences in order for the county to benefit.”

If the price difference (with unleaded fuel costing significantly more) remains the same between E85 and unleaded, Hanson said the department stands to save nearly $1,000 per 25,000 miles.

“When you take into consideration our office puts on more than 400,000 patrol miles in a year, our county could benefit from the use of ethanol,” he said.

But access to the fuel can be an issue. Because Bad Axe and Harbor Beach do not have ethanol stations, Hanson said those patrols vehicles that start out of Bad Axe and Harbor Beach will frequently be forced to use unleaded fuel.

“Our deputies are being encouraged to purchase ethanol if they are in the vicinity of an ethanol station and their vehicle could use fuel,” said Hanson. “It would be pointless to specifically drive several miles in order to just buy ethanol.”

Full Story

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Posted in At the Pump, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Energy Balance, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85 driver, ethanol, fleet, Flex Fuel, flex fuel impala, flex fuel patrol cars, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, police department, police ffv, propel

Car buyers get efficient. Diesel sales up 46% as gas climbs.

Posted on May 3, 2011 | 1 Comment

According to a recent report by Baum and Associates, diesels, hybrids and smaller vehicles are selling like hotcakes–sales have surpassed the rest of the auto industry’s overall growth for the first quarter of 2011.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

The sales of diesel vehicles soared up by 46% compared to March of last year. Gasoline prices are to blame according to Baum. As pump prices continue to climb, the superior fuel efficiency of diesel engines is attracting attention. And the best part about driving a diesel? Using clean, American-made biodiesel to power your ride. Learn more about running biodiesel.

Baum stresses: “The trends are clear: vehicle sales are strong, and consumers want hybrids, small cars and crossovers, and are shying away from pickups and SUVs.”

Source: Baum & Associates, Green Car Congress, Autoblog Green.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Green Business, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel

Diesel Hybrids Combine the Best of Both Worlds

Posted on March 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

Geneva Motor Show – Does the future of clean transportation ride on renewable fuels or electric power? As we at Propel maintain — and as these new beauties, debuted this week at the Geneva Motor Show, demonstrate — the answer can most certainly be both. The diesel hybrid dazzlers featured below can be powered by renewable biodiesel and electricity.

Range Rover Sport Plug-In Diesel Hybrid

While there’s no word yet on whether the Range_e is intended for production, Land Rover has confirmed that this unique offering is part of its 2008 plan to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2012. Impressively, the SUV can travel up to 20 miles in full electric mode and returns 88mpg and 88 grams of CO2/kilometer. Power comes from both a 3.0-liter 240-horsepower TDV6 and a 69 kW electric motor that can be recharged from a standard household power supply in <4 hours.

Peugeot 908 Hybrid 4

So it’s not your daily driver. But with its 3.7-liter, 550-horsepower diesel V8 — and an on-board electric motor that uses regenerative braking technology to provide an extra 80-horsepower spurt — Peugeot’s new endurance racer certainly inspires wide appeal. Will it be ready for the 2012 LeMans racing season? If so, Peugeot claims that the clean-burning, hybrid diesel technology will allow the 908 to stay on track longer than the average LeMans vehicle. Less pitting, more winning!

Volvo V60 Plug-In Diesel Hybrid

Who doesn’t love a sports wagon? Better yet, who doesn’t love a good looking safety machine with a diesel engine, a plug-in rechargeable electric powertrain and electric AWD? With the V60 Plug-In Hybrid, Volvo delivers all that, and more. In fact, a press release from the automaker claims the V60 Hybrid to be “three cars in one”:

1) An electric car with a range of up to 32 miles (charging time is 5 or less hours at home)
2) A high-efficiency hybrid with carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 49 g/km
3) A dynamic and engaging car with a combined output of 215 + 70 horsepower, 440 + 200 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph of just 6.9 seconds

While the standard V60 is available only in European markets, Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby hinted in January that the V60 Hybrid could make its way to the US. Only time will tell. Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed!

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, Technology, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biofuel, carbon, clean diesel, diesel, diesel hybrid, diesel range rover, diesel volvo, diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, electric vehicle technology, electric vehicles, geneva auto show, geneva motor show, hybrid, low-carbon fuel, peugeot, Peugeot diesel hybrid, plug in diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, range rover, range rover hybrid, renewable fuel, volvo, volvo hybrid

Nuts for biodiesel!

Posted on February 25, 2011 | 1 Comment

It’s big, it’s shaped like a peanut and, best of all, it runs on biodiesel.

The latest incarnation of the Planters Nutmobile is going green, using a biodiesel-powered modified Isuzu NPR box truck as the base for its fiberglass body. The nutty vehicle also touts a rooftop wind turbine, solar panels, LED interior lighting, recycled parts and reclaimed-wood floors.

It is fitting that the Planters Nutmobile should be powered by biodiesel since Rudolf Diesel originally designed his engine to run on peanut oil. There’s no word on if the biodiesel used will be of a nutty variety.

Volkswagen puts diesel in the hybrid mix

Posted on February 23, 2011 | 1 Comment

Volkswagen recently revieled the XL1 Prototype, a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid with a mind-blowing 261 miles per gallon fuel economy.

The vehicle’s extreme efficiency is achieved using light weight parts, including a small two-cylinder diesel and electric plug-in engine. While VW will only be producing the XL1 for a very limited run, there are reports the manufacturer is working on a producing a slightly bigger, more conventional hybrid, the Up mini-car, which could achieve 95 miles per gallon.

BMW diesel Super Bowl ad. Fueling ch-ch-change.

Posted on February 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

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Posted in Big Oil, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Vehicles

Tagged 2011 super bowl ad, 335d, alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, BMW, bmw 335d, bmw ad, bmw commercial, bmw commercial 2011, bmw commercial super bowl, bmw diesel, diesel, diesel bmw commercial, diesel super bowl ad, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer, super bowl ad, super bowl bmw ad, super bowl commercial

From Moonshine to Fuel: Ethanol is an American Tradition

Posted on February 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

Clean, American ethanol is a part of our history! Click the images below to learn more.

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Posted in Big Oil, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, ethanol history, ethanol tradition, Flex Fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Propel Featured in Ethanol Producer Magazine

Posted on February 1, 2011 | 1 Comment

Hot off the presses! The February issue of Ethanol Producer Magazine includes a spotlight article on Propel Fuels and the company’s mission to provide the retail infrastructure necessary to bring renewable fuels to the consumer, now and in the future.

In the article, author Kris Bevill details Propel’s unique business model – which includes fostering a symbiotic relationship where Propel leases space on which to build their Clean Fuel Points from existing fuel retailers – as well as the funding, support and partnerships that CEO Matt Horton says are so elemental to Propel’s current and future success.

“Rebuilding the nation’s fueling infrastructure takes time, but we need to understand as an industry that it’s more than just making a pump available,” Horton is quoted as saying. “We need to treat this issue holistically and make sure we’re addressing all the key drivers for success.”

Today, Propel offers biodiesel at its stations in WA State and both E85 and biodiesel at its stations in CA. Additional plans to expand locations and product offerings in accordance with market demand are in the works.

For more info, check out the full article from Ethanol Producer Magazine
or visit Propel Fuels.

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Posted in Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, flex fuel tahoe, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Propel Hosts First Stop of EcoTREK’s “Best of America Tour”

Posted on January 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

EcoTREK is driving 10,000 miles crosscountry in an American-made Flex Fuel vehicle, powered with cellulosic ethanol provided by POET — all with the goal of increasing awareness of the economic, environmental and national security benefits of domestically grown biofuels.

Tom Holm, Executive Director and intrepid driver for EcoTREK, made Propel’s Oakland Clean Fuel Point the tour’s first destination. Propel CEO, Matt Horton welcomed Tom to the station and shared his enthusiasm for EcoTREK’s goal. “Today we got a preview of ultra-low carbon fuels from non-food sources, representing the next level of sustainability for fuels that can run in our vehicles today. Propel, EcoTREK and POET each represent critical pieces to reducing our dependence on petroleum; widespread consumer access, advanced vehicle technologies, and the next generation of renewable fuels.”

POET’s cellulosic ethanol is produced from corn cobs and light stover (leaves, husks, some stalk) at a pilot pant in Scotland, South Dakota. Work is underway at Project LIBERTY, POET’s planned 25 million-gallon-per-year cellulosic ethanol plant, which will be built in Emmetsburg, Iowa.

Read more about EcoTREK’s Propel visit.

Follow Tom’s journey on the EcoTREK blog.

EcoTREK in Oakland

Music: Quiet Life hailing from Portland, OR. Check out their music.

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Posted in At the Pump, blog, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Next Generation Feedstock, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, cellulosic ethanol, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, next generation, next generation fuel, propel, Propel customer, waste feedstock

Check out new 2011 Flex Fuel Vehicle models

Posted on January 14, 2011 | 5 Comments

Find out if you can drive E85 Flex Fuel! Propel Fuels has updated our website with the current list of Flex Fuel-compatible vehicles, including new 2011 models — and your car, truck, van, crossover or SUV could make a difference. Made in America from renewable resources such as corn, switch grass and agricultural waste, E85 Flex Fuel helps to:

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Support American jobs and farmers
Decrease the need for imported oil
Strengthen the domestic economy

Check our Flex Fuel Vehicle List today to see if you can help drive America’s future with clean, E85 Flex Fuel — or, for more information on E85, visit www.PropelFuels.com.

A sampling of 2011′s new Flex Fuel vehicle offerings:

Ford Fusion
Take advantage of versatile size & surprising power with the Fusion’s Flex Fuel-compatible 3.0L Duratech V6.

Ford Super Duty F250
One of the most clean fuel-friendly vehicles on the market, the 2011 F250 is available with either a Flex Fuel-compatible gas engine OR a burly diesel engine that can accommodate biodiesel blends of up to 20%!

Dodge Challenger
What’s more American than classic, American muscle? American muscle FLEXing its power with clean, renewable, American fuel!

Dodge Charger
Higher-octance Flex Fuel E85 feels right at home with the Charger’s track-inspired styling.

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Posted in Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Vehicles

Tagged 2011 e85 vehicles, 2011 ffv, alternative fuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, flex fuel tahoe, ford ffv, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Volvo to deliver diesel hybrid plug-in for 2012.

Posted on December 6, 2010 | 1 Comment

Volvo’s plans are still on track to release a Plug-In Diesel Hybrid in 2012. The hybrid will be based on the V60 wagon and is estimated cut CO₂ emission in half when compared to emissions of the popular Toyota Prius.

The lithium-ion battery will charge from a household outlet in about five hours with a range of 30 miles and will also feature regenerative braking for added charging. After the electric-range is reached, the diesel engine takes over.

Propel tours San Diego’s New Leaf biodiesel production facility

Posted on October 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

New Leaf Biofuel is a waste-source biodiesel production company located in San Diego, CA. Propel had the opportunity to tour the New Leaf facility earlier this week.

Jennifer Case, CEO of New Leaf, hosted the facility tour, walking through the production process of using waste-oil and waste-grease refined into quality biodiesel fuel ready to put straight into tanks. New Leaf collects waste oil and grease from local San Diego restaurants to use as the feedstock for their biodiesel production.

New Leaf is a great example of a local producer working within a community to process waste products into quality renewable fuel.

Learn more about New Leaf Biofuels.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Feedstocks, Green Business, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, biofuel feedstock, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, next generation, next generation fuel, propel, waste feedstock

Want more power? Burn Flex Fuel E85.

Posted on September 24, 2010 | 2 Comments

No software or hardware adjustment needed–the 2011 Ford F-150 5.0-liter V8 engine is ready to run on E85.

As posted on PickupTrucks.com, “the 5.0-L F150 is rated at 360 horsepower (at 5,500 rpm) and 380 pounds-feet of torque (at 4,250 rpm) running on regular unleaded gasoline. But the 5.0 is also flex-fuel capable. Flexible-fuel vehicles are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol (E85).

Burning E85 fuel boosts 5.0 engine power to 375 hp and 390 pounds-feet of torque, said Mike Harrison, Ford’s program manager for V-8 engines.”

Flex Fuel E85 has a 105 octane rating and a higher compression ratio than regular gasoline, making it a highly efficient fuel.

Innovative design & E85 capability wins Automotive X Prize

Posted on September 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

The ultra-light, E85-powered Edison2 vehicle getting 102 miles per gallon won the top award in the automotive X Prize.

Out of 111 competing teams, the Edison2 car was chosen as the winner of the Mainstream Class, 4-passenger, 4-wheel vehicles. The “Very Light Car #98″ weighing about 830 pounds, boasts a 250cc engine fueled by high-octane E85.

The Edison2 team will use the $5 million prize to help bring the vehicle to market in a more consumer-ready version.

Ford’s new police Interceptor E85 compatible

Posted on September 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Ford’s new offering to the police force comes equipped with an E85-compatible 3.5L V6 engine that boasts 280 horsepower.

The Interceptor SUV and sedan will both be built at a Chicago Assembly Plant–American-built vehicles that can use American-made fuel.

Read more about the Ford Police Interceptor.

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Posted in blog, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, biofuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, low-carbon fuel, V6 Flex Fuel

Heavy-duty Ford trucks gain efficiency

Posted on August 13, 2010 | 2 Comments

With a free computer upgrade, Ford gives its 6.7-L PowerStroke V8 turbocharged diesel engines an added boost of fuel efficiency. This translates to a 20% increase in efficiency for the 2011 Super Duty diesel pickups over last year’s models.

Ford is providing upgrades free for all current owners of a 2011 Super Duty diesel pickup. The upgrade will entail a 30 minute software adjustment by a dealership service department–customers will receive information in the mail regarding the upgrade beginning August 31st.

Want another added bonus? Ford supports the use of Biodiesel B20 blend in all new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engines.

Volkswagen BlueMotion vehicles named 2010 World Green Car brand

Posted on July 9, 2010 | 1 Comment

“The definition of the World Green Car of the Year was expanded a bit today when the World Car of The Year organization named Volkswagen‘s BlueMotion product brand – including the Polo, Passat, and Golf models – as the 2010 World Green Car during the 2010 New York Auto Show. The 59-member jury’s statement declaring BlueMotion the winner took a swipe at hybrid technology when is said:

It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency. Based on Volkswagen’s common-rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.

Even with these critical words, the organization did pick the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight as the Green Car of the Year runners-up. In other World COTY news, the VW Polo won the overall World Car of the Year title.”

This 4th of July, Declare your Independence at the Pump

Posted on July 2, 2010 | 3 Comments

The Clean Air Choice Team, lead by the American Lung Association in North Dakota, encourages drivers to choose American-made fuel this Independence Day weekend.

E85 Flex Fuel is a new option at the pump for most drivers. The goal of the Clean Air Choice Team is to educate consumers about E85 fuel and its compatibility with flexible fuel vehicles.

Robert Moffitt, a spokesperson for the American Lung Association in North Dakota, said, “we calculate that if a single flex fuel vehicle is fueled with E85 instead of gasoline for a year, it prevents 4 tons of emissions from entering our air.”

The Clean Air Choice team has launch a North Dakota campaign encouraging drivers to fill tanks with E85 over the 4th of July weekend. Every trip to the pump is an opportunity to choose cleaner burning, domestically produced fuel.

Celebrate your freedom to choose what type of fuel to put in your car, truck or van. Find out if your vehicle can use Flex Fuel E85.

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Posted in At the Pump, Emissions, Ethanol Research, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, Flex Fuel, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

US Senator Patty Murray and Propel discuss economic impacts of biodiesel industry

Posted on June 16, 2010 | Leave a comment

Monday morning, Senator Patty Murray (D – WA) & Propel hosted a press conference to discuss support for the Biodiesel Blenders Tax Credit and its positive impacts on job growth, carbon emissions reduction and national security. Since the tax credit was left to expire in January, US biodiesel production has largely screeched to a halt. As a result, many producers including Imperium Renewables have looked to markets outside of the US to sell its fuel. The industry’s message was clear; renew the tax credit and our industry will immediately increase production, and create jobs.

The event was held at Propel Fuels Clean Fuel Point, the first renewable fuels station in downtown Seattle, Senator Murray was joined by the leaders of companies from up and down the biodiesel value chain (bioscience, refining, production and retail consumer access), who discussed the importance of the extension of the tax credit currently being debated in Congress.

Speakers included Matt Horton, CEO of Propel Fuels, Todd Ellis, VP of Business Development for Imperium Renewables, Dr. Margaret McCormick, COO for Targeted Growth, and Cameron Hewes, President and CEO of General Biodiesel.

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Posted in At the Pump, Big Oil, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Climate Change, Cold Weather Biodiesel, Emissions, Feedstocks, Green Business, Green House Gases (GHG), Introduction, Media, Next Generation Feedstock, Nox, Particulates, Politics, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Next generation biorefinery breaks ground in Boardman, OR

Posted on June 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

With production expected to begin next year, Colorado-based ZeaChem has broke ground on a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery in Boardman, OR. The plant will use ZeaChem’s core technology, to produce ethyl acetate, a salable chemical intermediate that can turn poplar tree waste into cellulosic ethanol. The biorefinery is expected to produce up to 250,000 gallons per year.

“Breaking ground on ZeaChem’s biorefinery in Boardman is a significant milestone,” said Jim Imbler, president and chief executive officer of ZeaChem. “As a leader in this industry, ZeaChem is committed to producing economical and sustainable advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals, creating jobs, and being a good neighbor in the community.”

ZeaChem is receiving $25 million in stimulus money for the plant that will create 300 direct and indirect jobs.

Read Press Release.

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Posted in Climate Change, Emissions, Energy Balance, Ethanol Research, Feedstocks, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, Next Generation Feedstock, Vehicles

Biodiesel Bulletin: Biodiesel delivers sweet treats

Posted on May 14, 2010 | 2 Comments

Propel customer, Essential Baking Company, is highlighted in the latest edition of the National Biodiesel Board’s monthly bulletin.

“The Web site for The Essential Baking Company in Seattle says it all: “We’re fussy. Fussy about taste, the texture of our bread, the flakiness of our pastry, the richness of our desserts, and preserving the time-honored techniques of baking. And don’t even get us started about the importance of the pureness of what we put into our bodies or our impact on the environment.”

That commitment to the environment is fulfilled in part by using 99 percent biodiesel . . .” Read more from the National Biodiesel board.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, blog, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Green Business, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer

Category Archives: Vehicles

More (smaller) choices in alt fuel cars

Super Efficient Diesel-Electric Plug-Ins Abuzz at Geneva

Chevy Endorses B20 for 2014 Clean Diesel Cruze

Detroit Autoshow. We like what we see.

New Clean Fuel Point is now open in Sacramento – Try Propel fuel for FREE!

UW Students to Retrofit Chevy Malibu to Run on Propel Biodiesel

2012 VW Passat TDI ranks #1 for fuel economy over hybrids

New engines maximize ethanol’s power and MPGs

Chevy to offer diesel Cruze in US

Michigan Sheriff’s Fleet Saves with E85

Car buyers get efficient. Diesel sales up 46% as gas climbs.

Source: Baum & Associates, Green Car Congress, Autoblog Green.

Diesel Hybrids Combine the Best of Both Worlds

Nuts for biodiesel!

Volkswagen puts diesel in the hybrid mix

BMW diesel Super Bowl ad. Fueling ch-ch-change.

From Moonshine to Fuel: Ethanol is an American Tradition

Propel Featured in Ethanol Producer Magazine

Propel Hosts First Stop of EcoTREK’s “Best of America Tour”

Check out new 2011 Flex Fuel Vehicle models

Volvo to deliver diesel hybrid plug-in for 2012.

Propel tours San Diego’s New Leaf biodiesel production facility

Want more power? Burn Flex Fuel E85.

Innovative design & E85 capability wins Automotive X Prize

Ford’s new police Interceptor E85 compatible

Heavy-duty Ford trucks gain efficiency

Volkswagen BlueMotion vehicles named 2010 World Green Car brand

This 4th of July, Declare your Independence at the Pump

US Senator Patty Murray and Propel discuss economic impacts of biodiesel industry

Next generation biorefinery breaks ground in Boardman, OR

Biodiesel Bulletin: Biodiesel delivers sweet treats

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