In a world where every mile matters, our vehicles are transitioning to a more sustainable era. Electric vehicles can be a big change for drivers used to combustion engines, but they aren’t the only option.
As we learn more about the environmental impact of fossil fuels and try to move away from limited resources like crude oil, renewable fuels are growing in popularity and availability. But what is renewable fuel, and can just any car use it? We answer these questions and more.
WHAT IS A RENEWABLE FUEL?
Renewable fuel is a type of fuel derived from sustainable and renewable resources instead of fossil fuel. While traditional gas and diesel come from crude oil, renewable gas for cars can come from resources such as plants, algae, used cooking oil, and waste.
ETHANOL BLENDS
Ethanol is made from plant materials known as biomass. When comparing fuel grades, you’ll notice that almost every type of conventional gasoline is ethanol blended.
What is ethanol-blended fuel? It’s simply a fuel made with both ethanol and gasoline. E10 is the most popular, containing 10% ethanol and 90% gas. The ethanol helps with oxygenation. You might also come across Unleaded 88, which contains a bit more ethanol at 15%.
E85, also known as Flex Fuel, is on the higher end of the spectrum. E85 contains up to 85% ethanol and as little as 15% gasoline. Note that E85 is meant for Flex-Fuel vehicles only.
BIO-BLENDED DIESEL
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or restaurant grease. Pure biodiesel is not used in vehicles. Instead, it is blended with diesel to make a bio-blended diesel.
Almost any diesel you buy already contains up to 5% biodiesel and does not need separate labeling. However, you can get B20, which contains up to 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum.
BENEFITS OF RENEWABLE FUEL
Further adoption of renewable fuels can come with many benefits beyond the obvious environmental impact. Here are just a few benefits to consider.
REDUCED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
One of the main benefits of renewable fuels is their impact on emissions and air quality. Compared to fossil fuels, they can help reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions, helping protect the environment.
ENERGY SECURITY
Renewable fuels help diversify the energy sources for transportation. We can produce fuel in the United States using renewable resources, reducing our dependence on finite fossil fuel supplies and foreign oil sources.
JOB CREATION
As demand for renewable fuel rises, we’ll need further innovation and technology. This innovation can create jobs for developing, manufacturing, and implementing new fuel technologies.
WASTE REDUCTION
Since renewable fuel can be made from already-used items (like cooking oil, restaurant grease, byproducts, animal fats, and other wastes), it can potentially reduce waste. It can promote the circular economy, where waste materials are repurposed to create valuable products. The circular economy helps create a more sustainable and resource-efficient system.
CAN ANY VEHICLE USE RENEWABLE FUEL?
Not all cars are designed to use renewable fuels. As mentioned earlier, only Flex-Fuel vehicles can use E85. On the other hand, almost any diesel vehicle can use a biodiesel blend. Always check your owner’s manual to see what fuel types are compatible with your engine.
WHERE CAN YOU PURCHASE RENEWABLE FUEL?
As a driver, renewable fuel availability can vary from brand to brand and location to location. The U.S. Department of Energy has an alternative fuel locator to help you find a station offering the fuel you need.
As a gas station owner, you will need to find a renewable fuel wholesaler like Venture Fuels for supply. You can also use the alternative fuel locator to see what competitors in your area are offering.
BRING RENEWABLE FUEL TO YOUR C-STORE WITH VENTURE FUELS
Interested in adding renewable fuel to your offerings? Venture Fuels can help. Along with high-quality traditional gasoline, we provide renewable fuels — and have since day 1. Contact us today to learn about our wholesale renewable fuel options and how we can help your business.