Tag Archives: diesel

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

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

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.”

“Love, the Bus” Loves Biodiesel!

Posted on October 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

Here at Propel, we love a renewable-fueled tour bus. But what we love even more is a renewable-fueled tour bus that loves us back. Enter: Love, the Bus.

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Love, the Bus is a cross-country charity project incepted by Maine natives Tyler Dunham, Seth Brown and Corey McLean — a trio with a mission to bring their youthful energy and creativity to local organizations across the nation.

Said Kelsey Aroian of the Love Bus crew, “We’ve been touring the country on a huge ‘adventure for good,’ spreading a message of optimism and environmental sustainability. We’re proud to spread the good word about alternative fuels on our journey.”

Fueling their mission is the Love, the Bus bus, itself — a behemoth in green powered by none other than waste veggie oil (WVO) — and the occasional reserve of biodiesel, which is necessary to heat up the team’s WVO system. Propel was happy to host the bus at our Wilmington, CA, Clean Fuel Point when it rolled through Southern CA yesterday.

“We received our first batch of biodiesel in California from Propel Fuels and heard about their fantastic CleanDrive program. We’re excited to join with them in their efforts toward cleaner fuels and a healthier planet!” said Kelsey.

Along their travels, the Love, the Bus team has been documenting their journey through daily video updates that viewers can interact with online. Every week, the group completes a new challenge to creatively fund local organizations near where that challenge is completed. All of their challenges, most of the money they distribute, and their general tour road map, is dictated by viewers and fans.

To play your part in the Love, the Bus project, and to view fresh episodes of Tyler, Corey and Seth’s travels, visit www.lovethebus.tv.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Green Business, Propel Customers

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, diesel, Green Business, Love the bus, waste vegetable oil, WVO

B20 Biodiesel powers land speed record

Posted on September 28, 2011 | 3 Comments

This is not your granddady’s diesel pickup truck. The Hajek Motor’s Ford F250 Super Duty powertrain truck recently broke the land speed record for diesel vehicles on the Bonneville Saltflats–then they filled ‘er up with Biodiesel B20, turned around, and broke the record again!

The previous speed record was set by a BMW motorcycle at 130 mph. The Hajek Ford F250 had slight modifications to upgrade the fuel injectors, fuel system, and turbocharge, but was otherwise mostly stock. Running petroleum diesel, the truck reach over 177 mph, but with biodiesel B20 they smashed the record, reaching speeds over 182 mph.

Depending on the feedstock, biodiesel delivers greater energy density than petroleum diesel. According to the National Biodiesel Board, the B20 used by Hajek was produced by a Missouri biodiesel plant and purchased and donated by the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

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

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

VW to Offer Beetle TDI for 2012

Posted on April 18, 2011 | 3 Comments

If you’ve been following news regarding the new 2012 Beetle, you may have already heard rumor that the updated styling will echo that of the first generation “bug.” New to us, however, was learning that this retro-inspired ride will now be available with a 2.0L TDI engine – great news for Beetle bums, MPG mavens (VW is touting an estimated 40 mpg highway!) and biodiesel diehards alike.

Stylewise, the 2012 Beetle doesn’t disappoint. With a lower profile and a front windshield that’s been nudged back a bit, the Beetle does more closely resemble its 1949 predecessor, while a standard rear spolier, split-folding rear seat and slightly larger footprint offer modern day form and function.

As announced at the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows this week, the 2012 Beetle will be available in the US in September.

For more information, images and video, check out the full story at Insideline.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel

Tagged 2012 beetle tdi, alternative fuel, beetle tdi, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, diesel bug, domestic fuel, Green Business, Jetta TDI, low-carbon fuel, propel, Volkswagen TDI, VW, vw bug tdi

“I believe in biodiesel because…”

Posted on April 1, 2011 | 1 Comment

Why do you believe in biodiesel? As this montage of video testimonials compiled by the National Biodiesel Board demonstrates, there are countless reasons to stand behind this renewable fuel. Biodiesel is clean. Sustainable. Green. American. It supports the domestic economy and creates green jobs. It’s the fuel the diesel engine was designed around. And according to biodiesel enthusiasts, the list goes on!

Do you believe in biodiesel? Let us know by sharing your comment, below — or, to learn more, including where you can find biodiesel near you, vist Propel Fuels or the National Biodiesel Board online.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Biodiesel Production, Propel Biofuels, Retail locations

Tagged alternative fuel, american fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biodiesel production, biofuel, diesel, Green Business, green jobs, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel Fuels, sustainable fuel, waste grease, waste grease biodiesel

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

Waste Grease Biodiesel Plant for San Francisco

Posted on December 10, 2010 | 1 Comment

Plans for a biodiesel plant at Pier 92 in San Francisco have finally gained approval from the city’s Port Commission. The plant will produce 10 million gallons of waste-grease biodiesel each year, creating local production jobs as well as locally-produced, renewable fuel.

The plant will be in an old rendering facility run by Darling International, who has been in operation on the pier since the 1960s. The facility is already equipped to create tallow from grease and other waste products. The switch over to biodiesel production will include new odor-regulation devices and alert systems.

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.

Waste fats into renewable Dynamic Fuels

Posted on November 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

In Geismar, LA, Dynamic Fuels’ production facility is converting non-food grade tallow and other animal fats into ASTM-certified renewable diesel fuel.

The production facility, a joint venture of Syntroleum Corporation and Tyson Foods, Inc., began processing fuel in early October and is currently producing 2,500 barrels a day.

Dynamic’s diesel fuel is made from renewable sources, reducing carbon emissions by 75%. What’s more, the performance specifications outshine petroleum diesel, boasting cetane rating of 88, more than twice that of regular diesel.

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

Study shows biodiesel improves workplace health

Posted on October 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

A recent pilot study from the Air & Wast Management Association compared diesel and biodiesel B20 exhaust, measuring the the occupational exposure to particulate matter (PM) and other air toxins. Biodiesel B20 was found to reduce harmful pollutes in the work environment.

The study was conducted at a New Hampshire recycling facility, heavy equipment exhaust was measured while running petroleum diesel and then on B20 biodiesel.

The technical paper describe, the study “used a combination of established industrial hygiene and environmental air monitoring methods to estimate occupational exposure profiles to PM and air toxics from combustion of petroleum diesel and biodiesel. Results indicate that B20 use dramatically reduces work area respirable particle and formaldehyde levels compared with petroleum diesel.”

Read full Air & Waste Management Association study–Biodiesel versus Diesel: A Pilot Study Comparing Exhaust Exposures for Employees at a Rural Municipal Facility.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Research, Emissions, Particulates, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biodiesel emissions, biofuel, diesel, diesel emissions, diesel vs. biodiesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, particulate matter

Propel announces Bay Area Network launch, 75 stations to come

Posted on September 3, 2010 | Leave a comment

During a grand opening event at the Bay Area’s newest renewable fuel station in Oakland, CA, Propel Fuels along with partners from the California Department of General Services, California Energy Commission, CALSTART & East Bay Clean Cities, formally launched Propel’s Bay Area operations, which will include more than 20 stations across the Bay, with up to 10 open by the year’s end.

The event also announced a $10.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to build and operate 75 retail renewable fuel stations throughout California over the next two years.

From Left: Director Joel A. Ayala Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Matt Horton, CEO, Propel Fuels. Steve Sokolsky, represents both East Bay Clean Cities and CALSTART. Commissioner Anthony Eggert, California Energy Commission

The station development project, know as the Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure Investment Initiative (LCFI3), has the potential to create more than 450 green jobs in California, while displacing 39 million gallons of petroleum and 187,500 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Propel’s Oakland Clean Fuel Point is one of four new stations already pumping fuel in the Bay. Propel also has six locations open in Sacramento, CA–with more on the way!

For a list of locations and stations coming soon, visit Propel’s Station Locator.

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Posted in At the Pump, Biodiesel, Flex Fuel, Flex Fuel E85, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Propel Customers, Retail locations

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, E85, E85 driver, ethanol, fleet, Flex Fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, propel, Propel customer, Propel stations

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.”

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

Amtrak runs biodiesel in America’s heartland

Posted on April 23, 2010 | 1 Comment

Earlier this week, Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer train made its first journey powered by B20 biodiesel.

The Heartland Flyer will run on tallow-based B20 biodiesel for the next year with plans to potentially expand the program to the entire system. The Heartland Flyer uses over 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel every year on its 400-mile route between Fort Worth, TX and Oklahoma City, OK.

The biodiesel test program is funded by a federal government grant. Amtrak will monitor and track train performance and emission reductions from the use of biodiesel.

The majority of Amtrak’s passenger trains burn petroleum diesel. In one year, Amtrak trains use over 62 million gallons of fuel. Switching to B20 biodiesel would significantly reduce consumption of petroleum diesel and has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 200 million pounds.

More about the Heartland Flyer’s biodiesel test.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Biodiesel Research, Climate Change, Emissions, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Uncategorized

Tagged alternative fuel, amtrak biodiesel, Biodiesel, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, low-carbon fuel, waste feedstock

Enterprise’s shuttle fleet to run biodiesel

Posted on February 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

Enterprise, the largest vehicle rental company in North America, announced plans to fuel their entire airport shuttle fleet of more than 600 buses on biodiesel. Most shuttle buses will begin by using a B5 biodiesel blend, while in nine regions, buses will use a B20 blend with the intention of converting the entire bus fleet to B20 in the next five years.

By switching to biodiesel, the Enterprise fleet will reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of retiring 40 shuttle buses and will reduce petroleum use by 420,000 gallons–in the first year alone.

In California, Propel Fuels and Enterprise have formed a partnership aimed to educate Enterprise customers on the availability and benefits of alternative fuels, and to fuel Enterprise’s rental cars with renewable E85.

GM & Ford announce B20 biodiesel compatibility for 2011 models

Posted on February 10, 2010 | 2 Comments

General Motors and Ford both recently announced support for use of B20 biodiesel in their 2011 diesel models. The 2011 GM line-up of heavy duty diesel pickups equipped with the Duramax 6.6L engine and Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke engine will both be B20 biodiesel compatible.

The new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine will power the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans. Chevrolet will display the 2011 Silverado heavy-duty trucks at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 10.

Ford plans to identify B20 compatible vehicles with a B20 road & leaf badge–similar to the badge used to identify Ford E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles.

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

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

VW Diesels take 1-2-3 spots at 2010 Dakar Rally

Posted on January 19, 2010 | Leave a comment

Volkswagen TDIs, including the Race Touareg prototype, celebrated a one-two-three podium lockout at the finish of the toughest challenge worldwide in motorsport.

Read full article from AutoBlog.com.

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Posted in Biodiesel, blog, News Links, Uncategorized, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, dakar rally, diesel, Volkswagen TDI, VW, vw tdi wins dakar rally

Clean Diesel Wins Again for Green Car of the Year

Posted on December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment

For the second year in a row, clean diesel technology earns the top award from Green Car Journal. The Audi A3 TDI was announced as the 2010 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Car Show earlier this month.

The diesel hatchback station wagon was select from among an impressive group of fuel-efficient vehicles, including the Honda Insight hybrid, Mercury Milan hybrid, Toyota Prius, and the Volkswagen Golf TDI.

The Audi A3 TDI touts a 42 miles per gallon highway fuel economy, “a 50 percent improvement over the gasoline A3 variant that makes the car very economical to operate with low relative CO2 emissions.” And, to top off the improved efficiency, Audi has approved the use of B5 Biodiesel in the A3 TDI.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Driver Testimonials, Emissions, Vehicles

Tagged 2010 green car of the year, alternative fuel, audi, audi a3 tdi, audi tdi, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, green car of the year, low-carbon fuel, Volkswagen TDI, VW

VW Stays Focused on Clean Diesel

Posted on October 12, 2009 | 1 Comment

VW_SportWagen_TDI While many auto manufacturers are looking to hybrids and electrics, Volkswagen stays focused on fuel efficient clean diesel passenger vehicles. Currently making up less than 3% market share in the US, J.D. Power forecasts the diesel passenger segment to grow to 8% by 2015. Not even close to the 50% market share seen in Europe, but Volkswagen hopes to own that 8%. Why Diesel? The Volkswagen TDI format improves fuel economy by 30% and puts out 25% less greenhouse gas emissions than what a gasoline engine would.
Read interview Mark Barnes, COO of Volkswagen America.

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Posted in Biodiesel, Emissions, Green Business, News Links, Propel Biofuels, Vehicles

Tagged alternative fuel, Biodiesel, biodiesel driver, biofuel, diesel, domestic fuel, Green Business, Jetta TDI, low-carbon fuel, propel, Volkswagen TDI, VW

Tag Archives: diesel

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