AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Biofore concept car is a plant-laden, sustainable ride]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/biofore-concept-car-is-a-plant-laden-sustainable-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/biofore-concept-car-is-a-plant-laden-sustainable-ride/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/biofore-concept-car-is-a-plant-laden-sustainable-ride/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Old-school surfers have a special place in their heart for the classic paneled station wagons affectionately referred to as "woodies." Now, some folks in Finland are looking to put a new spin on the term with what it says will be the ultimate "green" vehicle.

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is working with the Finnish Agency for Technology and Innovation to develop what it calls the Biofore concept car. Among other sustainable benefits, the car will be constructed largely out of fiber-based materials, and its diesel engine will run on wood-based renewable fuel.

Meanwhile, many of the interior components that are traditionally made with plastic will be made with he university's "Grada thermoformable" wood-type material. And the car's shape will be "inspired" by a pinecone. Yes, a pinecone. A street-legal pinecone. Check out more information on the Biofore here.

Biofore concept car is a plant-laden, sustainable ride originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 May 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioforebiomassdieselfinlandmetropolia universityplant-basedwoodThu, 30 May 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20587649/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20587649/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/30/biofore-concept-car-is-a-plant-laden-sustainable-ride/20587649/article-detail.xml 20587649 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/biofore-concept-car_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/biofore-concept-car.png <![CDATA[GM 'thanked' by biodiesel groups for making the Cruze Diesel B20-ready]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/gm-thanked-by-biodiesel-groups-for-making-the-cruze-diesel-b20/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/gm-thanked-by-biodiesel-groups-for-making-the-cruze-diesel-b20/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/gm-thanked-by-biodiesel-groups-for-making-the-cruze-diesel-b20/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 chevy cruze

As if one of the world's largest automakers needed additional advertisement, General Motors now is getting big-time support from biodiesel advocates for being the first US automaker to have made one of its light-duty models be able to run on diesel with a 20 percent biodiesel mix, i.e. B20. The National Biodiesel Board calls GM "proactive and progressive" for making its 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel B20-ready. Biodiesel Magazine even goes so far as to instruct its readers to "tell GM thanks."

Marking a long-awaited return to diesel powertrains for its cars, GM said last month that the Chevy Cruze Diesel would get an EPA-rated 46 miles per gallon highway, the best of "any non-hybrid passenger car in America." GM says the car will be able to go as far as 700 miles on a tank. Another way to look at that number is up to 140 biodiesel miles per tank.

GM 'thanked' by biodiesel groups for making the Cruze Diesel B20-ready originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 12 May 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselchevroletchevycruzedieselgeneral motorsgmSun, 12 May 2013 09:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20564254/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20564254/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/gm-thanked-by-biodiesel-groups-for-making-the-cruze-diesel-b20/20564254/article-detail.xml 20564254 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-chicago_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-chicago.jpg <![CDATA[E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UK university creates diesel-like biofuel using e. coli

Mention the term "e. coli" here in the US, and one gets visions of sick cows and poisonous burgers. Reference e. coli with some groundbreaking work performed by UK's University of Exeter, and things get a little more positive.

The university, with some funding from Shell, created a plant-based biofuel that's "almost identical" to conventional diesel. The fuel not only requires less of a blend with petroleum relative to biodiesels made from plants but may eliminate the corrosive effects other biofuels have on engines.

According to a more authoritative explanation from the News Scientists, the e. coli is combined with glucose to create the properly sized hydrocarbons that more or less mimic those compatible with engines. So far, the new fuel's being produced in "tiny" quantities but, hey, you have to start somewhere. Check out the article from the University below.

Continue reading E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study

E. coli used to create diesel-like biofuel in UK study originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofueldiesele. coliexeterukuniversity of exeterSun, 28 Apr 2013 08:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549261/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20549261/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/e-coli-used-to-create-diesel-like-biofuel-in-uk-study/20549261/article-detail.xml 20549261 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biodiesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/biodiesel.jpg <![CDATA[Propel Fuels wants to reinvent gas stations as 'Clean Mobility Centers']]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/propel-fuels-reinvent-gas-stations-clean-mobility-centers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/propel-fuels-reinvent-gas-stations-clean-mobility-centers/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/propel-fuels-reinvent-gas-stations-clean-mobility-centers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

propel fuels

Propel Fuels has opened up a refueling station in Fresno, CA, that's much more than just a gas station. It's a "Clean Mobility Center" that offers E85 and biodiesel from local producers along with conventional fuels, letting drivers make their own choices. Yet it's much than a fueling station - drivers can offset carbon from their fuel purchases, improve their vehicle's fuel economy, find public transport, tune their bicycles and do a bit of recycling.

Propel launched its Clean Mobility Center campaign last year, but this is the first fuel station of its type in the Fresno area. Located at 4994 E. Ashlan Ave., it's the first station in Fresno to offer E85 flex fuel and biodiesel, which are sourced from local California producers; biodiesel comes from Community Fuels in Stockton and ethanol from Calgren Renewable Fuel in Pixley.

For Propel Fuels, it's a way to reprogram the image and role of fuel stations in a community, and to promote consumption of renewable biofuels instead of consumers being stuck with conventional gasoline and diesel. In California, there are more than one million drivers behind the wheels of flex-fuel vehicles and most don't have access to E85, Propel Fuels says. Several cars and trucks from brands such as Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Mercedes are E85 compatible flex-fuel vehicles, and every diesel-engine vehicle can run on Propel biodiesel blends.

For Matt Horton, Propel Fuel's CEO, the Fresno station addresses the everyday pocketbook issues drivers face along with some of the broader economic and environmental issues. Rapid swings in fuel prices remind consumers about the need for choice and competition in the fuel market, he said. Along with that, "as more consumers embrace local, renewable fuels and seek cleaner means of transportation, Propel Clean Mobility Centers will help make progress toward our country's most pressing economic and environmental issues," Horton said in the press release, which you can read below.

Continue reading Propel Fuels wants to reinvent gas stations as 'Clean Mobility Centers'

Propel Fuels wants to reinvent gas stations as 'Clean Mobility Centers' originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofuelsethanolflex fuelgas stationspropel fuelsrenewableTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20542217/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20542217/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/propel-fuels-reinvent-gas-stations-clean-mobility-centers/20542217/article-detail.xml 20542217 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/propel-fuels-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/propel-fuels-station.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic visits Solazyme, finds algae diesel works well in VW Jetta TDI, navy ships]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/translogic-solazyme-algae-diesel-vw-jetta-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/translogic-solazyme-algae-diesel-vw-jetta-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/translogic-solazyme-algae-diesel-vw-jetta-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

vw jetta tdi solazyme diesel

As we learned when we visited last fall, Solazyme is doing some interesting things in its South San Francisco lab. Now, our friends over at Translogic put together a video showing the algae-derived diesel being used in a Volkswagen Passat TDI - as well as getting burned by the US Navy.

Translogic's Bradley Hasemeyer interviewed Graham Ellis, vice president at Solazyme, to understand the process at work here. When making the algae-derived diesel (it's not right to call it biodiesel), they start from sugarcane and take in a couple million tons into the front end of their plant. That sugar is then processed through fermentation. The algae sits there and eats, growing big and fat, becoming little round oil balls. The lab workers dry and extract the oil, which is then turned into diesel. It's a drop-in replacement - which means it works like regular diesel - and Ellis calls it a "fantastic premium material." You can watch the video below.

Solzyme provided algae jet fuel to United Airlines for a flight between Houston and Chicago.

Solzyme provided algae jet fuel to United Airlines for a flight between Houston and Chicago. It worked very well, Ellis said. The Navy has sponsored the company to produce its first biofuels. It was also tested at the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) Exercise last year, which is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. The Navy is going with a blend of 50/50 between Solazyme's fuel and regular fuels, but that number could go higher.

During a test drive, Hasemeyer heard more about what's been learned from the Volkswagen Passat TDI project. They've found it combusts much faster than running it on regular diesel and it produces less particulate matter, less soot and less C02.

Solazyme's primary plant in Peoria, IL, produces over 500,000 gallons of oil annually. The company also has a large plant in Brazil that's coming online soon. That plant will, conveniently located near sugarcane, will produce over 100,000 tons of oil a year.

Will algae-derived diesel take over the market? Ellis doesn't think so, saying the end result will likely be more of a "silver buckshot" than a silver bullet, meaning algae diesel could be one of a number of solutions.

Translogic visits Solazyme, finds algae diesel works well in VW Jetta TDI, navy ships originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaebiodieseldieseljet fuelpassatsolazymesugar canetdivolkswagenFri, 05 Apr 2013 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20530350/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20530350/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/translogic-solazyme-algae-diesel-vw-jetta-tdi/20530350/article-detail.xml 20530350 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-jetta-tdi-solazyme-diesel-1365121472_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-jetta-tdi-solazyme-diesel-1365121472.png <![CDATA[BMW 3-cylinder prototype engine sits pretty in 1 Series, will be better in i8 plug-in hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-engine-1-series-i8-plug-in-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-engine-1-series-i8-plug-in-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-engine-1-series-i8-plug-in-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW 3-cylinder Prototype

The fact that the brand-new prototype three-cylinder, 1.5-liter gasoline engine from BMW finds itself in a 1 Series is almost accidental. Heidelinde Holzer, who works on powertrain predevelopment, powertrain functions and powertrain integration, told AutoblogGreen her team simply took the cars that were available. After all, when you're working on engines that are not destined to go into any vehicles in the near future - this has been a four-year project already - it's okay to test them in whatever mule you've got access to. The first production vehicle that will use the three-cylinder is the upcoming i8 plug-in hybrid, which isn't going to arrive until the first half of 2014. BMW didn't allow us to play around in one of those, so we had to make due with our 1 Series prototype test drives yesterday at BMW's Woodcliff Lake, NJ, headquarters.

Under a sky that alternated between bright and threatening-to-rain, two red 1 Series zipped around the BMW campus - we were not allowed to take them on public roads - between technical sessions about the engine, the upcoming four-cylinder 328d diesel and BMW's new suite of apps. According to what we saw, future Bimmers are going to get a lot more efficient and a whole lot more connected.

Continue reading BMW 3-cylinder prototype engine sits pretty in 1 Series, will be better in i8 plug-in hybrid

BMW 3-cylinder prototype engine sits pretty in 1 Series, will be better in i8 plug-in hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>328dbmwbmw 3-cylinder prototypebmw 328d sedanbmw connected appecalllteWed, 27 Mar 2013 08:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20518740/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20518740/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-engine-1-series-i8-plug-in-hybrid/20518740/article-detail.xml 20518740 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bmw-3-cylinder-prototype-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fraudster turned non-existent biofuel into luxury cars, sentenced to 12 years]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fraudster-turned-non-existent-biofuel-into-luxury-cars-sentence/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fraudster-turned-non-existent-biofuel-into-luxury-cars-sentence/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fraudster-turned-non-existent-biofuel-into-luxury-cars-sentence/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Rodney Hailey, who was in the news last summer for selling more than $9 million in Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) credits for biofuel that, well, didn't exist, has been sentenced to nearly 12 years and six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

The RIN fraud comes from abuse of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. Hailey owned Clean Green Fuel, LLC, located in the Baltimore, MD, area. Between March 2009 and December 2010, Hailey engaged in a massive fraud scheme, selling over 35 million RINs and was supposed to produce 23 million gallons of biodiesel. Hailey didn't produce any of it, and didn't even have a facility capable of producing the biofuel.

The sentencing occurred not long after the US Environmental Protection Agency cracked down on RIN fraud by issuing proposed amendments to the RFS regulations. The EPA wants to see quality assurance plans where RINs are inspected and verified by legitimate auditors. RINAlliance has made a strategic partnership with EcoEngineers to make sure RIN fraud stops happening.

Hailey, 34, was convicted last summer of eight counts of wire fraud, 32 counts of money laundering, and two counts of violating the Clean Air Act. He has been detained since the guilty verdict and his sentence was increased after the judge found that Hailey had obstructed justice by concealing, selling and spending assets that were protected by court order.

The judge also ordered Hailey to pay restitution of approximately $42.2 million to over 20 companies and forfeit $9.1 million in proceeds from the fraud, including cars, jewelry, his home and bank accounts, already seized by the government. The EPA says Hailey used the proceeds to buy a lot of fancy cars (BMWs, a Mercedes-Benz, a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Lamborghini, a Ferrari, a Maserati and others) as well as real estate and more than $80,000 in diamond jewelry. "In all of these transactions, Hailey generally used cash or checks drawn on accounts he controlled to make the purchase, including a check for $645,330.15 to buy his home," the EPA release says.

Continue reading Fraudster turned non-existent biofuel into luxury cars, sentenced to 12 years

Fraudster turned non-existent biofuel into luxury cars, sentenced to 12 years originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselepafederal courtfraudrenewable fuel standardrenewable identification numberrfsrinsentencingMon, 25 Feb 2013 13:46:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20474986/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20474986/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/fraudster-turned-non-existent-biofuel-into-luxury-cars-sentence/20474986/article-detail.xml 20474986 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/biodiesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/biodiesel.jpg <![CDATA[BioBot will make your biodiesel easy as pie for just $1 a gallon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/biobot-will-make-your-biodiesel-easy-as-pie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/biobot-will-make-your-biodiesel-easy-as-pie/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/22/biobot-will-make-your-biodiesel-easy-as-pie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

biobot 20

Instead of clogging drains and hurting waste water treatment plants, what if your used cooking oil could power your car? A new device called the BioBot 20 tabletop diesel processor promised to make it easy to recycle cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel, right inside your home.

Biodiesel, as many readers will know, can be derived from waste vegetable oils and - depending on how it is made - can be close to carbon-neutral. Worldwide, there are about 20 billion liters (about 5.28 billion gallons) of biodiesel made every year, and the potential is there to increase that fivefold without diverting any oil away from food preparation. This is especially true for biofuel made from waste oil, and the makers of the BioBot 20 say it has the capacity to produce 20 liters (about 5.28 gallons) per batch. The reaction chamber is filled with used vegetable oil and then heated to a designated temperature. During that process, the oil is agitated with a built-in, hand-operated mixer. How nice and green that it doesn't use an electric motor. When it's done, the biodiesel needs to be tested for quality with a provided kit. (See the video below to learn how all of it works.)

Waste cooking oil is usually free. There will be some expenses for the methanol and sodium hydroxide needed to processed the biodiesel in the BB20, but the overall cost should be about $1 per gallon. The BB20 product sells for 415 British pounds, or about $655. So it would take a while to break even and save money for diesel vehicle drivers, but not all that long if you've got a reliable source of waste oil. Onion rings, anyone?

Continue reading BioBot will make your biodiesel easy as pie for just $1 a gallon

BioBot will make your biodiesel easy as pie for just $1 a gallon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biobotbiodieselbiofuelscooking oilukwaste oilFri, 22 Feb 2013 10:13:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20464448/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20464448/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/22/biobot-will-make-your-biodiesel-easy-as-pie/20464448/article-detail.xml 20464448 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/biobot-20_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/biobot-20.png <![CDATA[Biofuel RIN fraud not a problem, says RINAlliance]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/biofuel-rin-fraud-not-a-problem-says-rinalliance/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/biofuel-rin-fraud-not-a-problem-says-rinalliance/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/biofuel-rin-fraud-not-a-problem-says-rinalliance/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you know what renewable identification numbers (RIN) fraud is, and want to avoid it you a.) are most likely involved in biofuel production or an oil company and b.) might want to hire an auditor. That's the advice from RINAlliance, which has made a strategic partnership with EcoEngineers to make sure RIN fraud stops happening.

Oil companies like Sunoco buy RINs from biofuel producers to earn credits to meet the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). RINs are used to track each gallon of a biofuel as part of the federal rule. There's been so much fraud in these deals that The US Environmental Protection Agency recently released proposed rules to deal with potential RIN fraud as part of the 2013 RFS.

There is a need for audits and accountability in the marketplace. The biodiesel industry saw several distressing - and mysterious - episodes last year. Jeffrey David Gunselman, former CEO of Absolut Fuels, was arrested for pilfering more than $50 million in fake RIN credits without producing any of the biodiesel. Rodney Hailey, who headed Clean Green Fuel LLC, alledgedly made $9.1 million selling renewable fuel credits that were not delivered.

The strangest one of all involved biodiesel train shipments between Canada and the US by CN Rail that were never unloaded. The shipping company appeared to have made $2.6 million in Canadian dollars for the effort. Two US biodiesel companies were listed as customers - HeroBX and Northern Biodiesel - and neither responded to media inquiries. A Canadian company, Bioversal Trading Inc., is being investigated by the Canada Border Services Agency on allegations of false statements to avoid duties in shipping biodiesel to Romania and Italy.

Biofuel RIN fraud not a problem, says RINAlliance originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofuelsrenewable fuel standardrfsRIN fraudTue, 19 Feb 2013 12:11:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466130/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466130/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/biofuel-rin-fraud-not-a-problem-says-rinalliance/20466130/article-detail.xml 20466130 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/maze-of-rins_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/maze-of-rins.png <![CDATA[Biofuel group Fuels America gives snarky Valentine to Big Oil]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/biofuel-group-fuels-america-gives-snarky-valentine-to-big-oil/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/biofuel-group-fuels-america-gives-snarky-valentine-to-big-oil/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/biofuel-group-fuels-america-gives-snarky-valentine-to-big-oil/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

fuels america valentine to big oil

What's this? A yoga woman in seated pose praising oil companies and the billions in profits and huge government subsidies they get saying, with a radiant smile, "That's awesome!"

Two oil-drenched birds standing together. One of them chirps, "I love what this oil does to my feathers. They're so shiny!"

Two little girls just love how "oil crazy" grownups are. One of them says, "You're going to leave us with nothing but scary weather, no clean energy and no oil left. Good thinking!"

What the?!?

It's a snarky video ad called "We Love Oil!" (watch it below) that was released right before Valentine's Day by Fuels America. The group is a coalition of organizations committed to protecting the US Renewable Fuel Standard and praising the benefits of biofuels. Fuels America slings arrows at just about anything you can think of to take down Big Oil. That's because, the ad says, Big Oil will go just as far to stop any alternative - including the biofuels provided by the small and struggling biofuels industry (if you take Fuels America's side).

The yoga lady finishes the video with a plea for renewable fuels: "I mean, who wants renewable fuel sources anyway. Just because they create jobs that can't be outsourced. They protect the environment when we could stay dependent on a dirty, finite, climate warming, expensive fuel like oil. I hope we're stuck on oil forever. And ever. And ever." Her smile goes away and a message pops out of a broken heart: "Over Oil Yet?"

That line about biofuel jobs being impossible to outsource is pretty easy to prove false, but there's been no official response or scathing counter campaign yet from Big Oil.

Continue reading Biofuel group Fuels America gives snarky Valentine to Big Oil

Biofuel group Fuels America gives snarky Valentine to Big Oil originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelbiig oilbiofuelsclimate changeethanolfuels americaoil industryrenewable fuelvalentines dayFri, 15 Feb 2013 16:10:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20463458/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20463458/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/biofuel-group-fuels-america-gives-snarky-valentine-to-big-oil/20463458/article-detail.xml 20463458 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/oil-covered-birds_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/oil-covered-birds.jpg <![CDATA[DOE puts up another $10m for biofuels]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/doe-puts-up-another-10m-for-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/doe-puts-up-another-10m-for-biofuels/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/06/doe-puts-up-another-10m-for-biofuels/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Your federal government at work

Those keeping score of the pro vs. against biofuel camps can add another point for the advocates since the federal government has agreed to divert more funds towards the expansion of biofuels. Specifically, the US Department of Energy (DOE) will award more than $10 million to five products designed to speed up technology related to converting biomass to fuel.

The largest grant, at $2.5 million, will go to California-based Novozymes, which (for you chemistry buffs out there) finds enzymes that can "deconstruct" biomass into fuel-worthy material. Washington State-based Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Texas-based Texas AgriLife Research will each get as much as $2.4 million for their biofuels projects. California-based Lygos and Maryland-based J. Craig Venter Institute will also get DOE funds. Read the DOE's press release below.

Earlier this week, the US Senate agreed on a temporary budget pact to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" that will extend many of the biofuel initiatives from 2008's Farm Bill to the end of the year. Biofuel advocates praised the agreement as a job-saver, while the Union of Concerned Scientists were among those to say the incentives are being misappropriated away from what it called "smart, sustainable farming practices."

Continue reading DOE puts up another $10m for biofuels

DOE puts up another $10m for biofuels originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the US Senate signed off on a budget agreement to (at least temporarily) avoid the so-called "fiscal clif," it stirred up plenty of debate among Democrats and Republicans. It is doing the same among those eying the biofuel industry. Here's how the green vehicle scene shakes out for now, including support for some electric vehicles.

In the agreement, many of the biofuel initiatives from 2008's Farm Bill were extended another year to the end of 2013, causing biofuel advocates to say that the budget agreement will save jobs and continue to help lessen dependency on foreign oil, Biofuels Digest reports. Specifically, this week's agreement, which the US House passed by about a 3-to-2 margin, extends the $1.01-per-gallon production tax credit for cellulosic biofuel by another year to the end of 2013. It also retroactively enacts a $1-a-gallon production credit for biodiesel (which ended in December 2011) through the end of the year. Cellulosic biofuel producers will also continue to be able to depreciate 50 percent of their capital costs during the first year of production.

Of course, few federal government budget agreements pass without vocal opposition.

Of course, few federal government budget agreements pass without vocal opposition, and in this case, the Union of Concerned Scientists used the occasion to vent its own frustration. Justin Tatham, senior Washington representative for UCS's Food & Environment Program, called the Farm Bill extension "a disgrace," adding that "Republican leadership copped out at the last second" by continuing to subsidize large agricultural production instead of "smart, sustainable farming practices."

On the electric vehicle front, tax credit worth up to $2,500 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for some two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles was extended.

US 'fiscal cliff' deal extends biofuel incentives, includes support for e-scooters originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The fight to be the most popular fuel for commercial trucks wages on between the natural gas and clean diesel factions, with alt-player biodiesel joining forces with the Diesel Technology Forum team. The National Biodiesel Board joined up with the forum to improve diesel's reputation in Washington, and beyond, at a time when natural gas is gaining support.

NBB is made up of 260 biodiesel producers that are on a mission to bring the alternative fuel to the nation as an additive to diesel (similar to ethanol in E10 and E15), and as its own alternative fuel available at a limited number of fuel stations. Joining the DTF will help the industry "fight for clean diesel technology," the groups said.

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization supported by BP, General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Mazda, Volvo and Volkswagen. German automakers have been selling a lot more diesel-powered vehicles in the US, recently and other automakers are making plans to add diesel engines to their product lineups.

For fleets looking to buy more medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, natural gas is becoming popular due to its domestic production and cheaper pricing. Natural gas has been costing users 30 percent to 40 percent less in fuel costs for the energy equivalent of diesel.

Natural gas providers, and makers of natural gas vehicles, are benefitting from the trend where recent booms in production has brought natural gas prices to their lowest levels in 10 years. While prices have fluctuated quite a lot, producers says that supplies will remain high for years because of shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing (also known as "fracking").

The fracking issue is one likely to come up in the debate over which alternative fuel is the cleanest and safest way to go. Biodiesel advocates are sure to mention it in Washington, along with the US Environmental Protection agency recently implementing a 28-pecent increase in the amount of biodiesel mandated in 2013 as part of compliance with the 2007 Renewable Fuels Act.

As for clean diesel, DTF technical director Steve Howell emphasized the fuel's ultra-low-sulfur biodiesel blends, strong fuel economy ratings, horsepower and durability. Biodiesel combines a low-carbon fuel with the increased fuel efficiency of new technology diesel engines, which means that it's well positioned to be the "clean - and green - technology of the future," he said.

Diesel group, biodiesel producers come together in fight against natural gas originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuel vehiclesbioidieselclean dieselcommercial trucksdiesel technology forumfleetsfrackingnational biodiesel boardnatural gasnatural gas vehiclesThu, 27 Dec 2012 16:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412175/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20412175/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/27/diesel-group-biodiesel-producers-come-together-in-fight-against/20412175/article-detail.xml 20412175 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/biodiesel-in-a-jar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/biodiesel-in-a-jar.jpg <![CDATA[Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/propel-fuels-adding-hundreds-of-biofuel-stations-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/propel-fuels-adding-hundreds-of-biofuel-stations-soon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/propel-fuels-adding-hundreds-of-biofuel-stations-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

propel biofuel station pump

Propel Fuels is acquiring $21 million in funding to add more than 200 fuel stations in new and existing markets over the next two years, offering more drivers E85 ethanol and biodiesel blends. The company currently sells fuel out of 31 existing retail stations in California and Washington, sharing gas pumps with gasoline and diesel.

The company has closed the initial phase of its Series D round of funding for $11 million in equity capital from existing investors Nth Power, Craton Equity Partners and @Ventures, and a new investor, Gentry Venture Partners. Propel Fuels has also secured an additional $10 million in debt financing.

Propel's mission is to create a network of fueling stations offering drivers the cleanest, most sustainable, domestically produced fuels on the market today. Along with clean fuel, the company is focused on offering consumers a satisfying station experience; to do that, Propel offers services including a CarbonOffset program, improvements in vehicle fuel economy, finding rideshare opportunities, tuning bicycles and recycling on the go.

The company is seeing fast growth, being named the 17th fastest growing energy company in Inc. Magazine's ranking of Fastest Growing Private Companies, the 8th Fastest Growing Private Company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal and the 14th Fastest Growing Private Company in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.

Along with receiving funding from California, Propel has lobbied in Washington for favorable implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. The political climate for biofuels is difficult to work through, with the food versus fuel debate and diminishing support from politicians. Propel Fuels is supporting advanced biofuels like algae-based diesel, but for now, corn ethanol makes up most of the biofuel used in E85 and E10 (and, slowly, in E15) blends found in gas stations across the country. Corn ethanol has its share of critics, but for those looking for E85 and biodiesel, Propel is working hard at bringing these fuels to the public.

Continue reading Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon

Propel Fuels adding hundreds of biofuel stations soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algaealternative fuelbiodieselbiofuelscorn ethanole10e15e85ethanolflex fuelgas stationspropelpropel fuelsTue, 18 Dec 2012 14:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20405242/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20405242/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/18/propel-fuels-adding-hundreds-of-biofuel-stations-soon/20405242/article-detail.xml 20405242 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/propel-fuels-gas-station_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/propel-fuels-gas-station.jpg <![CDATA[Energy outlook looks bad for biofuels, fuel prices and electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/energy-outlook-looks-bad-for-biofuels-fuel-prices-and-electric/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/energy-outlook-looks-bad-for-biofuels-fuel-prices-and-electric/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/energy-outlook-looks-bad-for-biofuels-fuel-prices-and-electric/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



When the US Energy Information Administration released its annual energy outlook pre-release earlier this month, biofuels industry publication Biofuels Digest was hit with six press releases from the biofuels community in the space of two hours. The final version of the EIA's energy outlook through 2040 won't come out until the spring, but the 16-page preview was enough to set off an avalanche of biofuel industry outcry.

The EIA's Annual Energy Outlook 2013 projection is less optimistic about the ability of advanced biofuels to take a larger share of the liquid fuels market. For the 2013 forecast, biomass use is expected to reach 4.2 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) in 2035, compared to 5.4 quadrillion Btu listed in the 2012 AEO report.

Still, the longer-term trend is up. The 2013 report thinks that we will reach 4.9 quadrillion Btu in 2040, up from 2011's prediction of 2.7 quadrillion Btu. But why did the forecast drop so far from the 2012 report to the new version? According to the EIA's energy outlook, "The increases are much smaller than those in AEO2012, however, as a result of diminished FFV [flex fuel vehicle] penetration, a smaller motor gasoline pool for blending ethanol, and reduced production of cellulosic biofuels."

The EIA thinks gasoline prices will jump 25 percent - diesel by 37 percent - in 2011 dollar terms.

While biofuel use is expected to be lower than initially anticipated, the AEO 2013 is bullish about growth in other facets of energy production - solar and wind are expected to go up; light crude oil and natural gas are expected to go way up. Sales of FFVs in 2035 are expected to drop to about half what they were in the previous report - 1.3 million, or less than half the 2.9 million FFV sales expected in the 2012 report.

There's bad news in the report for consumers - the EIA thinks gasoline prices will jump 25 percent - diesel by 37 percent - in 2011 dollar terms. If you add in 2.5 percent annual inflation, that will come out to $8.62 per gallon for gasoline and $9.86 for diesel. The cause of this increase is expected to be rising crude oil prices.

Battery electric vehicles also had their numbers diminished - 119,000 units sold in 2035, down 65 percent from the expected numbers in the 2012 report. The EV sales decline is expected to be offset by increased sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, a full 20 percent higher than they were in the 2012 report.

Continue reading Energy outlook looks bad for biofuels, fuel prices and electric vehicles

Energy outlook looks bad for biofuels, fuel prices and electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biiodieselbiofuelscorn ethanolE15electric vehiclesethanolfood versus fuelfuel pricesTue, 11 Dec 2012 20:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20399791/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20399791/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/energy-outlook-looks-bad-for-biofuels-fuel-prices-and-electric/20399791/article-detail.xml 20399791 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/biodiesel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/biodiesel.jpg <![CDATA[Why did a biodiesel train cross US-Canada border over and over again?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/why-did-a-biodiesel-train-cross-us-canada-border-over-and-over-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/why-did-a-biodiesel-train-cross-us-canada-border-over-and-over-a/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/why-did-a-biodiesel-train-cross-us-canada-border-over-and-over-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Biodiesel appears to be a tough business to enter, whether you're talking lawsuits over federal mandates or crackdowns on fraud. CBC News in Canada has investigated a cross-border mystery over biodiesel that thickens the plot.

Allegedly, two years ago, biodiesel train shipments (not pictured) were sent back and forth several times between Canada and the US by CN Rail but were never unloaded. The shipping company appeared to make $2.6 million in Canadian dollars for the effort. While it seems odd that CN Rail would repeatedly transport goods but not unload them, the company claims it followed its legal obligations. "CN met its obligations as a common carrier and we have no further comment," CN spokesman Mark Hallman told CBC.

It seems that a lot was going on behind the scenes for these rail shipments that were made between June 15 and 28, 2010. According to a railway worker who spoke to CBC News anonymously due to fear of being fired, "In 25 years, I'd never done anything like it. The clerk told me it was some kind of money grab. We just did what we were told."

CBC News alleges it gained access to internal CN records that indicate fraud. Train 503 shipped biodiesel to Port Huron, MI, from Sarnia, Ont., and Train 504 brought them back. Sometimes rail cars were added and removed - between 68 and 89 cars would go at a time - and as soon as the paperwork and car shuffling were completed, the biodiesel made the return trip.

This train would usually make one trip per day to Port Huron, but maximizing the number of trips can make a lot of money for the company, said Teresa Edwards, CN's manager of transportation for Port Huron/Sarnia, in an email. Each move cleared customs to cross the border, which meant more revenue was generated for Port Huron/Sarnia. "If we can get in more flips back and forth we will attempt to do so," Edward wrote. Edwards didn't return phone calls to CBC News.

Two US biodiesel companies were listed as customers - HeroBX and Northern Biodiesel, and neither responded to calls from CBC. A Canadian company, Bioversal Trading Inc., is being investigated by the Canada Border Services Agency on allegations of false statements to avoid duties in shipping biodiesel to Romania and Italy. CN records say Bioversal arranged the train shipments investigated by CBC News.

Biodiesel producers are in a difficult situation, competing with regular diesel at fuel stations all across North America and with questionable characters hurting the industry's image. It's a tough business to be in.

Why did a biodiesel train cross US-Canada border over and over again? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofuelsbordercanadacn railcn railwayfraudfreight trainsWed, 05 Dec 2012 07:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20393202/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20393202/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/why-did-a-biodiesel-train-cross-us-canada-border-over-and-over-a/20393202/article-detail.xml 20393202 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/cn-rail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/cn-rail.jpg <![CDATA[Nobel Prize winner Hartmut Michel reasons biofuels are a bad idea]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/nobel-prize-winner-hartmut-michel-reasons-biofuels-are-a-bad-ide/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/nobel-prize-winner-hartmut-michel-reasons-biofuels-are-a-bad-ide/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/nobel-prize-winner-hartmut-michel-reasons-biofuels-are-a-bad-ide/#commentsFiled under: ,

Biofuel

It looks like one Nobel Prize winner groups biofuels with another, ahem, organic and somewhat odorous material. Prize winner Hartmut Michel, who's the director of the Molecular Membrane Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics, has gone on record criticizing the use of biofuels for alternative energy because of their lack of efficiency, according to ClimateSanity.

For instance, the amount of usable chemical energy storied in German biodiesel, which is made with rapeseed, ranges from 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent, and that doesn't take in consideration the energy used (and lost) in ploughing the fields used to create the plants in the first place. Michel also went on to take to task the use of materials such as sugarcane and microalgae for biofuel production.

Those who miss chemistry class can read the ClimateSanity post here, but the CliffsNotes version will say that Michel believes it's a bad idea to depend on biofuels as an alternative energy source because of a combination of the high amount of energy needed to make the raw materials and the potential food shortages created by diverting such plants away from the global food supply. We've heard these arguments before, but not often with Nobel attached to them.

Nobel Prize winner Hartmut Michel reasons biofuels are a bad idea originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biodieselbiofuelhartmut michelmicroalgaenobelSat, 01 Dec 2012 16:51:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391978/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20391978/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/nobel-prize-winner-hartmut-michel-reasons-biofuels-are-a-bad-ide/20391978/article-detail.xml 20391978 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/biofuel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/biofuel.jpg <![CDATA[American Petroleum Institute sues EPA over biodiesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/american-petroleum-institute-sues-epa-over-biodiesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/american-petroleum-institute-sues-epa-over-biodiesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/american-petroleum-institute-sues-epa-over-biodiesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Biodiesel

In alphabet soup terminology, the API's mad at the EPA, and the RFA thinks it's a bunch of BS.

Let us explain. The American Petroleum Institute, in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's ratcheting up US biodiesel production mandates, has sued the EPA, calling the regulator's new rules "overzealous" and "unworkable." The EPA is mandating the production of 1.28 billion gallons of biodiesel next year, up from 1 billion this year.

The API, which filed its lawsuit in the US Court of Appeals for Washington DC, added that the new mandate will create costs that are $425 million more than the benefits. The API also brought up three biodiesel companies that the EPA busted for submitting invalid renewable fuel credits.

The EPA in September approved the 28-percent increase in mandated production of biodiesel, which represents biofuels made from biomass sources such as vegetable oils and waste oils from renewable sources. The EPA had boosted the mandate this year by 25 percent to 1 billion gallons.

Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuels Association, an advocacy group for biofuels, says the lawsuit is a smokescreen for concerns over a potential drop in demand for petroleum. The RFA, in a statement Tuesday, called the lawsuit a "dog bites man" scenario. Read the API's press release below.

Continue reading American Petroleum Institute sues EPA over biodiesel

American Petroleum Institute sues EPA over biodiesel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american petroleum instituteapibiodieselbiofueleparenewable fuels associationrfaFri, 30 Nov 2012 07:59:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20389917/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20389917/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/american-petroleum-institute-sues-epa-over-biodiesel/20389917/article-detail.xml 20389917 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/biodiesel2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/biodiesel2.jpg <![CDATA[DOE's new alt-fuel site offers lots of goodies, ways to save money]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/does-new-alt-fuel-site-offers-lots-of-goodies-ways-to-save-mon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/does-new-alt-fuel-site-offers-lots-of-goodies-ways-to-save-mon/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/does-new-alt-fuel-site-offers-lots-of-goodies-ways-to-save-mon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

NREL alt-fuel website

Burn some time, save some fuel.

That's the synopsis of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) website redesign, which is geared towards fleet managers and other high-volume, high-mileage drivers.

The new site gives the lowdown on five alternatives to gasoline - biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, natural gas and propane - and how much money they could save a company. For instance, the DOE has put together a bunch of "what if" scenarios, such as replacing gas-powered vehicles with plug-in hybrids or converting trucks to run on natural gas.

High on the fun meter (if you're into that sort of thing) is the Alternative Fueling Station Locator, which makes it easier for drivers and fleet managers to find stations that offer electric vehicle charging, E85, biodiesel, natural gas, propane or hydrogen A little lower on the fun scale are the sections outlining federal and state laws and incentives for various alt-fuel vehicles. Important? Yes. Fun? Well...

Check out the NREL press release below.

Continue reading DOE's new alt-fuel site offers lots of goodies, ways to save money

DOE's new alt-fuel site offers lots of goodies, ways to save money originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cor-Vegge Corvette Racecar at LeMons

There might be only one veggie-powered Chevrolet Corvette in the world, and it's part of the 24 Hours of LeMons endurance racing series that showcases $500 beater cars. "Spank," the owner and builder, has pieced together the Cor-Vegge on a a C4 Corvette body, powered by a 1980s Oldsmobile diesel engine and fueled by waste vegetable oil.

The 350-cubic-inch diesel V8 engine puts out 77 horsepower, and the Cor-Vegge's 20 gallon gas tank keeps its running up to five hours on the track. The fuel is stored in a large single tank, where Spank makes the vegetable fuel by draining oil from the tank, adding some diesel fuel to warm up the engine, and then adding back the vegetable oil. A pair of heat exchangers have been installed to keep the veggie oil flowing smoothly.

The Cor-Vegge has raced twice so far in its C4 Corvette body, built sometime between 1984 and 1996. Spank is protected by a professional roll cage and new front disk brakes.

For those interested in buying the unique Cor-Vegge, Spank is offering it for $3,500 with a $550 deposit for the upcoming Chuckwalla season-ending race, the third one that his veggie racer will be entering. See pictures of the car in action at the previous events in the gallery, thanks to Murilee Martin.

Cor-Vegge puts veggie oil to the Corvette test at LeMons originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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