Category Archives: Biodiesel
Super Efficient Diesel-Electric Plug-Ins Abuzz at Geneva
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
A breath of fresh air: Propel launches Clean Mobility Center in Fullerton, CA
Last week, Propel Fuels hosted the grand opening of the first-of-its-kind Clean Mobility Center in Fullerton, CA. While America’s driving habits are evolving, gas stations have not substantially changed since the early 1900′s–until now. The innovative Clean Mobility Center redefines your average fueling experience with several key station features:
- Renewable (Flex Fuel E85 and biodiesel) and conventional fuel choices
- Carbon Offset options for fuel purchases
- Free air for tires for better MPGs
- Free self-serve air and tools for bikes
- Recycling at the pump
For the grand opening event, Propel hosted some of California’s most illustrious clean energy leaders, including Mary Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board, and Commissioner Andrew McAllister from the California Energy Commission. Moreover, the event attracted representatives from the state and regional government as well as Fullerton Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, Theresa Harvey. The Fullerton community welcomed Propel in grand style with an official ribbon cutting ceremony–we are grateful for such a warm welcome!
Check out pictures from the grand opening festivities:
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Posted in Biodiesel
“On the Green Road” Tops Off at Propel Berkeley
While Propel’s Homegrown Roadshow team of Emily and Emily were between events in the SF Bay Area, they paid a visit to our Berkeley Clean Fuel Point to meet up with Cece Reinhardt, one of the partners behind On the Green Road. Per the duo’s website (which is also a live blog of their adventures), the goal of On the Green Road is to “green an Airstream, turn a used diesel truck into a veggie oil machine and hit the road in complete ‘off the grid’ style.”
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Amazingly, Cece and her fellow road-tripper Brenda Daugherty have been living out this journey since the end of last year and have plans to canvas much of the US and even parts of Canada while “driving towards sustainability one mile at a time.” And while Cece didn’t have the Airstream in tow when Propel met up with her in Berkeley to donate a well-earned tank of B20 biodiesel, she did promise that we’d meet again. We hope so! Best of luck to these road warriors as they live out their green dreams in sweet Airstream style.
Learn about Cece and Brenda’s On the Green Road adventure at www.greenrvlife.com, and find out where the Homegrown Roadshow is headed next at propelfuels.com/roadshow.