“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 ToyotaPrius and the HondaInsight 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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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 badge B20 road & leaf badge–similar to the badge used to identify Ford E85 Flex Fuel compatible vehicles.
Volkswagen TDIs, including the Race Touareg prototype, celebrated a one-two-three podium lockout at the finish of the toughest challenge worldwide in motorsport.
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.
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.
Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood touts the title of the greenest in the city with the most LEED buildings and is currently under evaluation for the LEED Neighborhood Development certification.
In the midst of this growth and construction, Propel’s flagship biodiesel station remains open at the busy intersection of Westlake Ave and Broad St.
In a recent press release, Ford calls attention to the alternative fuel capability of vehicles in their 2011 F-series lineup. Not only is Ford adding a new E85 capable engine, but also will offer a diesel engine compatible with a B20 biodiesel blend.
Ford announces, “the 2011 F-Series Super Duty boasts all-new powertrains, led by the Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, which delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy while maintaining best-in-class towing and payload capability; new engine also has biodiesel compatibility up to B20.”
“A new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also is added to the lineup; it also delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy; new gas engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E85 or any blend in between.”
Ford announces support for B20 biodiesel with it’s new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine. With this step, Ford joins the ranks of other auto manufacturers such as Chrysler and GM, giving the green light for B20 biodiesel use in vehicle models.
Read more on the new Ford engine and B20 compatibility from autoblog.com.
Propel has teamed up with students from Sacramento State for a summer internship program. Students are conducting short customer surveys at all Propel Sacramento locations– Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd.
Stop by any Propel Sacramento location, take our survey and register to win $300 of FREE fuel. And chat with our friendly interns, they’re doing a great job!
For a map of Propel California locations, visit our station locator.
King 5 regularly fills up their fleet vehicles at Propel’s Downtown Seattle biodiesel station. The satellite truck fills at the high flow dispenser–it pumps 30 gallons per minute!
Propel’s downtown Seattle station is selected as the Daily Journal of Commerce’s Project of the Month for July.
photo by Lara Swimmer
“An American icon goes green, smells good too.
Propel Biodiesel’s Seattle station is an urban oasis. Filling up there can be a meditative experience.
If you’re green at heart but still attached to your internal combustion engine, don’t give up hope. If it’s diesel you need, pull your Bug or your tractor-trailer into the South Lake Union station at Broad and Westlake and fill up. It’s roughly the same price per gallon as regular diesel . . .”
With revived concern over the cost of gasoline and the desire for increased fuel economy, clean diesels are proving to be a tempting choice for the American consumer.
Volkswagen can testify to the selling power of clean diesel vehicles–June brought in the highest sales of TDIs since the release of the current lineup. According to a recent press release, “the Jetta SportWagen once again posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,982 units. Clean diesel TDI’s accounted for 81 percent of SportWagen sales, 40 percent of Jetta sedan sales, and 29 percent of Touareg sales.” Adding to their fleet of available clean diesels, Volkswagen plans the release of the 2010 Golf TDI this fall.
Positive sales from Volkswagen may lure more manufacturers to bring diesel technology to the American market. In fact, manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes already offer diesel models.
Volkwagen TDI drivers are often strong supporters of alternatitive fuels. Seen here at the Propel SLU Station is the 2007 and 2004 Jetta TDI, and 2005 Jetta TDI Wagon.
Today’s clean diesel vehicles are not the smog-belching, clickity-clacking diesel vehicles you may be picturing. New diesels have quieter engines, enhanced performance and reduced emissions. A recent segment on National Public Radio, Diesel Cars Attempt a Comeback with Clean Diesels, reports on the reemergence of diesel vehicles into the American market as a quieter, cleaner next generation.
If you look in the Propel parking lot you’ll see a common thread, clean diesel vehicles. As a fuel company working to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, we recognize the importance of providing access to both American-made fuels, as well as efficient clean diesel and Flex Fuel vehicles. Audi recently premiered its “Diesel. No longer a dirty word.” campaign with a provocative message that stuck home. The advertisement reminds us that America uses 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil each day. And with more efficient vehicles, we can send it all back. Watch the video — click here. Learn more about the Clean Diesel Movement.
America uses 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil each day.
With efficient cars and American-made fuels, we can send it all back.
Ran into Mike Bradley, owner of Nor Cal Pool Productions, filling his rig with biodiesel at Propel’s Rocklin, California location.
This was Mike’s first biodiesel fill up — low on fuel and thought he’d give it a try.
“It’s better for the Earth and it’s about the same price as regular diesel–why not?”
Located in Lincoln, California, Nor Cal Pool Productions specializes in the design and construction of custom pool and patio installations.
Find more businesses dedicated to fueling their fleet vehicles with low-carbon, domestically-produced fuel, see a list of Propel Clean Fleet Partners in California and Washington State.
We ran into Brick today at our Kenmore, Washington pump on Bothell Way located at the very north end of Lake Washington. Brick has been fueling his Jeep Liberty CRD with Propel for 2 years.
The limited release Liberty “CRD” (2005 – 2006) stands for “Common Rail Diesel,” describing the 4-cylinder 2.8 liter turbo-diesel engine. CRD systems use high injection pressure to move fuel into the combustion chamber, resulting in higher fuel economy and cleaner burning diesel.
Brick also fuels his Chevy Duramax Diesel pickup with Propel, in both downtown Seattle and here in Kenmore.
The State of the Air Report recently released by the American Lung Association shows biodiesel is a key factor to keeping America’s air clean. The American Lung Association in Minnesota described the report as a “wake up” call to further embrace fuels like biodiesel and is also participating in May 1 activities to kick off Minnesota’s increase to a B5 biodiesel blend. The report named Fargo, North Dakota as the cleanest city in the nation, and the lung association there gave credit to steps like biodiesel use.
Biodiesel is a sustainable, renewable alternative to diesel fuel that reduces most regulated emissions substantially, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbons.
“With biodiesel, America can produce its own cleaner-burning diesel alternative that helps clean up the air with existing vehicles,” said Joe Jobe, National Biodiesel Board CEO. “Biodiesel is a natural solution to help achieve lung associations’ goals to reduce air pollution and safeguard our health. We are grateful for their support and applaud their vision for a cleaner future.”
Biodiesel reduces air toxins by 90 percent, and significantly reduces the compounds linked to cancer. Breathing the smoke from diesel exhaust can trigger an asthma attack. The use of biodiesel reduces particulate matter up to 40 percent.
Bud is hoping for a Propel station in Nevada County, but until then, he’s happy to fill his Ford F-250 with biodiesel in Rocklin.
“People have told me that it runs more quietly now that I’ve been using biodiesel — less knocks,” says Bud.
Biodiesel does enhance engine lubricity, making diesel engines run more smoothly. Many drivers testify to a smoother, quieter ride with biodiesel fuel.
On an uncharacteristically sunny spring afternoon in Washington, we met Nicki at the Bellevue/Factoria station. Nicki, proudly displays her son’s 1995 Jetta TDI.
A native of Germany, Nicki is a big fan of the TDI platform, the Jetta is one of three she has at her home in Mercer Island, WA. “I fill all three of them with Propel biodiesel,” she says proudly. We certainly appreciate her love of TDIs and her support of clean fuels!
Yes! Solar Solutions, a Propel Clean Fleet partner, regularly fills up their rigs with biodiesel. This Tuesday, we met Robert filling the Ford F350 in Citrus Heights. The truck sported a super-sized fleet biodiesel bumper sticker.
As a renewable energy company, Yes! Solar Solutions is glad to have access to an alternative fuel product for their current fleet of vehicles. As Robert put it, “anything to help the environment, right?”
The Audi Q7 TDI will be available in U.S. dealerships later this month. Buyers of the new 2009 diesel will qualify to receive a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit from the IRS — which may take a little of the edge off the hefty price tag. The premium package starts at $50,900, while the base price is a slightly more palatable $43,500.
With an EPA fuel mileage rating of 17 city and 25 miles per gallon highway, the Audi Q7 provides a 30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of a similar size according to Audi of America.
On display at the New York Auto Show, the Mercedes E 250 BlueTEC concept is designed specifically for release in States, meeting all the strictest emission standards including U.S. Bin 5 compliance.
Mercedes estimates ratings of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway from the EPA.
In their continuing mission to expand the distribution of biodiesel, Propel Biofuels recently flipped the switch on their Factoria Clean Fuel Point. Propel Clean Fuel Points are a unique tank/dispenser kiosk that can easily be added to the footprint of existing gas stations. Like every Clean Fuel Point, the Factoria station is integrated with CleanDrive emissions reporting. With each fill customers have the ability to see how much they’re reducing their carbon footprint. CleanDrive is available FREE to Propel customers.
CleanDrive reports show criteria like:
- Reductions in CO2 by using biodiesel
- Barrels of oil displaced
- Equivalent annual impact of mature trees
This new Clean Fuel Point, like all Propel locations is open 24/7, takes all major credit cards and serves only the highest quality biodiesel.
Just last week news broke that Safeway is switching its trucking fleet to biodiesel. This week Broomfield, Colorado’s Corporate Express has announced a similar move. To help curb harmful greenhouse emissions and enhance the performance of their fleet’s diesel engines, the company is now fueling their 45 trucks with B20.
“Using biodiesel in our trucks will advance our distribution while decreasing emissions and further reducing our Company’s carbon footprint,” said Jay Mutschler, President of Corporate Express US.
This is great news for biodiesel advocates as the use of the clean-burning, renewable fuel by companies dependent on diesel vehicles greatly enhances the fuel’s legitimacy as a mainstream fuel source.
We’ve been hearing it for decades: the next breakthrough fuel technology is just around the corner. Hydrogen, electric, fuel cells–all have shown promise to free the world from its dependence on fossil fuels. Yet for one reason or another, we wait and wait for the automakers to catch up or the technology to perfected. Meanwhile, in a relatively short-span, researchers have developed a method of extracting oil from algae and converting it to a viable fuel source. What makes algal biodiesel different from the aforementioned panaceas? Consumers will not need to wait on Detroit to take advantage of it as the current and future fleet of diesel vehicles will be able to use it with no conversion required. More importantly, algae is a rapidly renewable biodiesel feedstock that does not compete with food sources like soy beans or corn. Leading the way is Solazyme, a bioenergy upstart out of San Francisco, in a unique partnership with Chevron. Unique because instead of eschewing the help of big oil, Solazyme founders Jonathan Wilson and Harrison Dillon embraced Chevron’s R&D muscle as way to accelerate algal-biodiesel’s path to widespread commercial use. For more information check out this post from Wired magazine, and be sure to watch the trailer to “Fields of Gold,” the biodiesel documentary produced by biodiesel advocate Josh Tickell.
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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.
King 5 regularly fills up their fleet vehicles at Propel’s Downtown Seattle biodiesel station. The satellite truck fills at the high flow dispenser–it pumps 30 gallons per minute!
Volkswagen can testify to the selling power of clean diesel vehicles–
Positive sales from Volkswagen may lure more manufacturers to bring diesel technology to the American market. In fact, manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes already offer diesel models.
Today’s clean diesel vehicles are not the smog-belching, clickity-clacking diesel vehicles you may be picturing. New diesels have quieter engines, enhanced performance and reduced emissions. A recent segment on National Public Radio, 
Ran into Mike Bradley, owner of 
The 
