Do I need to modify my vehicle to use biodiesel?
No, either the vehicle is suitable for biodiesel or its not. The issue of modifying engines is a question which causes a lot of confusion for people considering using biofuel. There are two different biofuels which can be used to run a diesel engine - Pure Plant Oil (PPO) or biodiesel. Engines must be modified to run on PPO but not for biodiesel.
What vehicles are warrantied for operation on biodiesel?
The only definitive way to tell if your vehicle is warrantied for operation on biodiesel is to check the Owners Manual where it will specify the fuels which are acceptable. Alternatively you could contact the vehicle manufacturer with your chasis number.
However the following general rules of thumb apply:
1. All vehicles are warrantied for operation on B5(5% biodiesel blended with 95% diesel)
2. Peugeots, Citroens and some Renaults are warrantied for B30 (30% biodiesel)
3. Since 1996, VW, Audi, Seat & Skoda provide warranties permitting 100% biodiesel in many of their models. Also some Volvo and BMW models permit 100% biodiesel
4. DAF, Mann, Scania & Mercedes trucks offer warranties for 100% biodiesel
in their commercial vehicles.
Whats the legal situation in Ireland in relation to using biodiesel?
In Ireland vehicle propulsion fuel used in diesel engines (including biofuels) are subject to customs duty of 37c/litre plus 21% VAT. Biofuel producers licensed by the Dept.of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources can sell biofuel exempt from the customs duty element. Without this duty exemption, biodiesel cannot compete commercially against mineral diesel
Is there a quality standard for biodiesel?
EN14214 is the European Specification for biodiesel. This is a rigorous standard which examines 26 characteristics of the fuel. EcoOla’s biodiesel conforms to EN14214, as is a condition of our operating licence.
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