Alternative Fuels Data Center: Diesel Vehicles Using Biodiesel

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head>  <script nonce="jwCx5NKmlziLi4+jcZOTdA=="> //<![CDATA[ (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','tadaAnalyticsDataLayer','GTM-NVFRH9K'); //]]> </script>  <script nonce="jwCx5NKmlziLi4+jcZOTdA=="> //<![CDATA[ window.tadaAnalyticsOptions = {"env":"production","ids":["UA-24103967-1","UA-25110724-1","UA-5743150-13"]}; (function(){function q(w,n){w[n]=w[n]||function(){(w[n].q=w[n].q||[]).push(arguments)}}; q(window,'tadaAnalyticsGa');q(window,'tadaAnalyticsGaAllTrackers')})(); //]]> </script> <script async src="https://widgets.nrel.gov/tada/analytics/analytics.js"></script> <script nonce="jwCx5NKmlziLi4+jcZOTdA=="> //<![CDATA[ setTimeout(function(){var a=document.createElement("script"); var b=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; a.src=document.location.protocol+"//script.crazyegg.com/pages/scripts/0020/4864.js?"+Math.floor(new Date().getTime()/3600000); a.async=true;a.type="text/javascript";b.parentNode.insertBefore(a,b)}, 1); //]]> </script> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=no" /> <title>Alternative Fuels Data Center: Diesel Vehicles Using Biodiesel</title> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/vite/assets/application-Bm1Tpxmk.css" media="all" /> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/vite/assets/print-Cb_HYRxu.css" media="print" /> <script src="/vite/assets/application-DE4-lcAn.js" crossorigin="anonymous" type="module"></script><link rel="modulepreload" href="/vite/assets/jquery-CqDs7TUd.js" as="script" crossorigin="anonymous"> <link rel="modulepreload" href="/vite/assets/jquery.hoverIntent-Bg_TxxTG.js" as="script" crossorigin="anonymous"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/diesel" /> </head> <body class='afdc'>  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-NVFRH9K" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>   <header> <div id="eere_header" class="container-fluid hidden-print"> <div id="eere_header_content" class="row-fluid"> <div class="span14"> <div class="visuallyhidden"><a href="#maincontent">Skip to Content</a></div> <img id="eere_logo" usemap="#eere_logo_map" src="/vite/assets/eere_header_logo-SkLjAvjd.gif" /> <map name="eere_logo_map" id="eere_logo_map"> <area shape="rect" coords="1,1,97,33" href="http://www.energy.gov/" alt="U.S. Department of Energy" /> <area shape="rect" coords="99,1,214,33" href="http://www.eere.energy.gov/" alt="Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy" /> </map> </div> <div id="global_links" class="span10 hidden-phone"> <a href="http://www.eere.energy.gov/">EERE Home</a> | <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/office-energy-efficiency-renewable-energy">Programs & Offices</a> | <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver">Consumer Information</a> </div> </div> </div> <div id="program_header" class="container-fluid hidden-print"> <div id="program_header_content" class="row-fluid"> <form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="https://search.usa.gov/search" id="searchbox" method="get" class="hidden-phone hidden-tablet"> <input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /> <input name="affiliate" type="hidden" value="afdc.energy.gov" id="affiliate" /> <label for="query">Search the AFDC</label> <input name="query" type="text" id="query" maxlength="2000" /> <button class="btn btn-green">Search</button> </form> <div id="sitename"><a href="/">Alternative Fuels Data Center</a></div> <nav id="nav"> <div id="primary_nav" class="nav-group"> <ul><li class="selected"><a class="selected" href="/fuels">Fuels & <span class="primary-nav-break">Vehicles</span></a><div class="mega-menu"> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-main"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/biodiesel.html">Biodiesel</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/diesel.html">Diesel Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/electricity.html">Electricity</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/electric.html">Electric Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/ethanol.html">Ethanol</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/flexible_fuel.html">Flex Fuel Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/hydrogen.html">Hydrogen</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/fuel_cell.html">Fuel Cell Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/natural_gas.html">Natural Gas</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/natural_gas.html">Natural Gas Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/propane.html">Propane</a></strong> | <a href="/vehicles/propane.html">Propane Vehicles</a></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/renewable_diesel.html">Renewable Diesel</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/sustainable_aviation_fuel.html">Sustainable Aviation Fuel</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/emerging.html">Emerging Fuels</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="/fuels/prices.html">Fuel Prices</a></strong></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-feature"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li> <a href="/vehicles/search/download.pdf"> <span><i class="icon-eere-mega-menu-2018-atv"></i></span> Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles </a> </li> <li> <a href="/calc/"> <span><i class="icon-eere-calculator"></i></span> Vehicle Cost Calculator </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li><li><a href="/conserve">Conserve <span class="primary-nav-break">Fuel</span></a><div class="mega-menu"> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-main"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul><li><a href="/conserve/idle-reduction-basics">Idle Reduction</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/equipment">Parts & Equipment</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/driving-behavior">Driving Behavior</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/rightsizing">Fleet Rightsizing</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/system-efficiency">System Efficiency</a></li></ul> </div> </div> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-feature"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li> <a href="http://www.anl.gov/energy-systems/downloads/vehicle-idle-reduction-savings-worksheet"> <span><i class="icon-eere-mega-menu-feature-idle-reduction-worksheet"></i></span> Idle Reduction Savings Worksheet </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li><li><a href="/stations">Locate <span class="primary-nav-break">Stations</span></a><div class="mega-menu"> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-main"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li><a href="/stations/#/find/nearest">Search by Location</a></li> <li><a href="/stations/#/find/route">Map a Route</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-feature"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li> <a href="/stations/states"> <span><i class="icon-eere-mega-menu-feature-station-by-state"></i></span> Station Data by State </a> </li> <li> <a href="/data_download"> <span><i class="icon-eere-download"></i></span> Download Station Data </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li><li><a href="/laws">Laws & <span class="primary-nav-break">Incentives</span></a><div class="mega-menu"> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-main"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li><a href="/laws/search">Search All</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/fed_summary">Federal</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/state">State</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/key_legislation">Key Legislation</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/utility-incentives">Utility Incentives</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-feature"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li> <a href="/project_assistance.html"> <span><i class="icon-eere-mega-menu-feature-project-assistance"></i></span> Project Assistance & Funding Opportunities </a> </li> <li> <a href="/laws/local_examples"> <span><i class="icon-eere-mega-menu-feature-local-laws"></i></span> Examples of Local Laws & Incentives </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li><li class="visible-phone visible-tablet"><a href="#">More...</a><div class="mega-menu"> <div class="mega-menu-equal-height-column mega-menu-main"> <div class="mega-menu-column-content"> <ul> <li> <a href="/data">Maps & Data</a> </li> <li> <a href="/case">Case Studies</a> </li> <li> <a href="/publications">Publications</a> </li> <li> <a href="/tools">Tools</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about.html">About</a> </li> <li> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li></ul> </div> <div id="secondary_pages_nav" class="nav-group hidden-phone hidden-tablet"> <ul><li><a href="/data">Maps & Data</a></li><li><a href="/case">Case Studies</a></li><li><a href="/publications">Publications</a></li><li><a href="/tools">Tools</a></li><li><a href="/about">About</a></li><li><a href="/">Home</a></li></ul> </div> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="visible-print-preview" id="print_preview"> <h5>Print Preview</h5> <div class="row-fluid"> <div class="span12"> <a href="#print" id="print_preview_print"> <i class="icon-eere-print"></i><br /> Print </a> </div> <div class="span12"> <a href="#cancel" id="print_preview_cancel"> <i class="icon-eere-close"></i><br /> Close </a> </div> </div> </div> <div id="print_header" class="row-fluid visible-print"> <h3>U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy</h3> <h4>Alternative Fuels Data Center</h4> </div> <div class="container-fluid hidden-print"> <div id="utility_line" class="row-fluid"> <div id="breadcrumb" class="span18"> <div><a href="http://www.eere.energy.gov/">EERE</a> » <a href="/">AFDC</a> » <a href="/fuels">Fuels & <span class="primary-nav-break">Vehicles</span></a> » <a href="/fuels/biodiesel">Biodiesel</a></div> </div> <div class="span6 last"> <ul id="utilities"> <li id="print" class="hidden-phone hidden-tablet"><a href="#printable"><i class="icon-eere-utility-print"></i>Printable Version</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="container-fluid"> <div class="row-fluid"> <div class="span4 hidden-print"> <div class="accordion plus-minus-accordion plus-minus-accordion-grey hidden-print" id="left_nav_accordion"> <div class="accordion-group"> <div class="accordion-heading visible-phone collapsed"> <a href="#left_nav" class="accordion-toggle" data-toggle="collapse"> <span class="accordion-hidden-expanded"> <i class="icon-eere-accordion-plus-grey"></i> </span> <span class="accordion-visible-expanded"> <i class="icon-eere-accordion-minus-grey"></i> </span> More in this section... </a> </div> <div id="left_nav" class="accordion-body collapse-phone"> <ul><li><a href="/fuels/biodiesel-basics">Biodiesel Basics</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/biodiesel-benefits">Benefits & Considerations</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/biodiesel-stations">Stations</a></li><li class="selected active-leaf"><a class="selected" href="/vehicles/diesel">Vehicles</a><ul><li><a href="/vehicles/diesels-availability">Availability</a></li><li><a href="/vehicles/diesels-emissions">Emissions</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/fuels/laws/BIOD">Laws & Incentives</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="span13" id="main_content">  <h1>Diesel Vehicles Using Biodiesel</h1>  <div class="callout how_does_it_work_callout"> <a href="/vehicles/how-do-biodiesel-cars-work"><img src="/vite/assets/biodiesel-hiw-DO2I1INh.png" style="margin:0;display:block;border:0;"></a> </div>  <p>Biodiesel and conventional diesel vehicles are one and the same. Although light-, medium-, and heavy-duty diesel vehicles are not alternative fuel vehicles, almost all are capable of running on biodiesel blends. The most common <a href="/fuels/biodiesel-blends">biodiesel blend</a> is B20, which ranges from 6% to 20% biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel. However, B5 (a biodiesel blend of 5% biodiesel, 95% diesel) is also commonly used in fleet vehicles. B20 and lower-level blends can be used in many diesel vehicles without any engine modification.</p> <p>Biodiesel raises the cetane number of the fuel and improves fuel lubricity. A higher cetane number means the engine is easier to start and reduces ignition delay. Diesel engines depend on the lubricity of the fuel to prevent moving parts from wearing prematurely. Improved lubricity reduces friction within the moving parts, avoiding additional wear. A primary advantage of biodiesel is that it can improve the lubricity of the fuel at blend levels as low as 1%.</p> <p>All original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) approve the use of B5. However, it is important to check the OEM engine warranty to ensure that higher-level blends of this alternative fuel are approved, such as B20. Visit Clean Fuels Alliance America for <a href="https://cleanfuels.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/oem-support-summary.pdf">information on OEM support</a> of biodiesel use in vehicles.</p>  <h2>Related Information</h2> <button class="related_information" onclick="document.location.href='/vehicles/diesels-availability'">Availability</button> <button class="related_information" onclick="document.location.href='/vehicles/diesels-emissions'">Emissions</button> <button class="related_information related_information_last" onclick="document.location.href='/fuels/laws/BIOD'">Laws & Incentives</button>   </div> <div class="span7"> <div class="accordion plus-minus-accordion hidden-print" id="related_accordion"> <div class="accordion-group"> <h5 class="accordion-heading collapsed"> <a href="#related_maps_data" class="accordion-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#related_accordion"><i class="icon-eere-accordion-plus accordion-hidden-expanded"></i><i class="icon-eere-accordion-minus accordion-visible-expanded"></i> Maps & Data</a> </h5> <div id="related_maps_data" class="accordion-body collapse"> <div class="accordion-inner"> <div id="related_maps_data_carousel" class="carousel"> <div class="carousel-inner"> <div class="item active"> <div class="title-container"><a href="/data/10359"> Biodiesel Purchases by EPAct-Regulated Fleets</a></div> <div class="img-container"> <a href="/data/10359"><img src="/files/u/data/thumbnail/10359/generated_thumb20240626-281-b7l4b4.png?a003288173" alt="Biodiesel Purchases by EPAct-Regulated Fleets" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="item"> <div class="title-container"><a href="/data/10325"> U.S. Biodiesel Production, Exports, and Consumption</a></div> <div class="img-container"> <a href="/data/10325"><img src="/files/u/data/thumbnail/10325/generated_thumb20240410-298-hzas84.png?a3101c8f1c" alt="U.S. Biodiesel Production, Exports, and Consumption" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="item"> <div class="title-container"><a href="/data/10372"> Biodiesel Laws and Incentives by State</a></div> <div class="img-container"> <a href="/data/10372"><img src="/files/u/data/thumbnail/10372/biodiesel_li_by_state.jpg?d224c1bb38" alt="Biodiesel Laws and Incentives by State" /></a> </div> </div> </div> <a class="carousel-control left" href="#related_maps_data_carousel" data-slide="prev"><i class="icon-eere-arrow-left"></i></a> <a class="carousel-control right" href="#related_maps_data_carousel" data-slide="next"><i class="icon-eere-arrow-right"></i></a> </div> <p class="related-accordion-more"><a href="/data/keyword/biodiesel">More Biodiesel Data</a> | <a href="/data">All Maps & Data</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-group"> <h5 class="accordion-heading collapsed"> <a href="#related_case_studies" class="accordion-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#related_accordion"><i class="icon-eere-accordion-plus accordion-hidden-expanded"></i><i class="icon-eere-accordion-minus accordion-visible-expanded"></i> Case Studies</a> </h5> <div id="related_case_studies" class="accordion-body collapse"> <div class="accordion-inner"> <ul> <li><a href="/case/2850"><span><i class="icon-eere-video"></i></span><span>New Hampshire Cleans up with Biodiesel Buses</span></a></li> <li><a href="/case/1053"><span><i class="icon-eere-web story"></i></span><span>Seattle's Waste Haulers are Going Green </span></a></li> <li><a href="/case/2203"><span><i class="icon-eere-web story"></i></span><span>Biodiesel Offers an Easy Alternative for Fleets</span></a></li> </ul> <p class="related-accordion-more"><a href="/case/search?keyword=Biodiesel">More Biodiesel Case Studies</a> | <a href="/case">All Case Studies</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-group"> <h5 class="accordion-heading expanded"> <a href="#related_publications" class="accordion-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#related_accordion"><i class="icon-eere-accordion-plus accordion-hidden-expanded"></i><i class="icon-eere-accordion-minus accordion-visible-expanded"></i> Publications</a> </h5> <div id="related_publications" class="accordion-body collapse in"> <div class="accordion-inner"> <ul> <li><a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/search/download.pdf?year=2025"><span><i class="icon-eere-brochure"></i></span><span>Model Year 2025: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/search/download.pdf?year=2024"><span><i class="icon-eere-brochure"></i></span><span>Model Year 2024: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles</span></a></li> <li><a href="/files/u/publication/biodiesel_handling_use_guide.pdf?b7580a0db6"><span><i class="icon-eere-report"></i></span><span>Biodiesel Handling and Use Guide (Sixth Edition)</span></a></li> </ul> <p class="related-accordion-more"><a href="/publications?tags[]=biodiesel">More Biodiesel Publications</a> | <a href="/publications/">All Publications</a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-group"> <h5 class="accordion-heading collapsed"> <a href="#related_tools" class="accordion-toggle" data-toggle="collapse" data-parent="#related_accordion"><i class="icon-eere-accordion-plus accordion-hidden-expanded"></i><i class="icon-eere-accordion-minus accordion-visible-expanded"></i> Tools</a> </h5> <div id="related_tools" class="accordion-body collapse"> <div class="accordion-inner"> <ul> <li><a href="/vehicles/search/"><span><i class="icon-eere-search"></i></span><span>Vehicle Search</span></a></li> <li><a href="/laws/search"><span><i class="icon-eere-search"></i></span><span>Laws and Incentives Search</span></a></li> <li><a href="/calc/"><span><i class="icon-eere-calculator"></i></span><span>Vehicle Cost Calculator</span></a></li> </ul> <p class="related-accordion-more"><a href="/tools">All Tools</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="widget_frame_surround" style="height:372px;"> <iframe src="/widget/calc/Biodiesel/" style="height:372px;width:250px;padding:0;margin:0;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" ></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <footer> <div id="footer_nav" class="row-fluid hidden-print"> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/fuels/">Fuels & Vehicles</a></h5> <ul><li class="selected"><a class="selected" href="/fuels/biodiesel">Biodiesel</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/electricity">Electricity</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/ethanol">Ethanol</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/hydrogen">Hydrogen</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/natural-gas">Natural Gas</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/propane">Propane</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/renewable-diesel">Renewable Diesel</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/sustainable-aviation-fuel">Sustainable Aviation Fuel</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/emerging">Emerging Fuels</a></li><li><a href="/fuels/prices.html">Fuel Prices</a></li></ul> </div> </div> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/conserve/">Conserve Fuel</a></h5> <ul><li><a href="/conserve/idle-reduction-basics">Idle Reduction</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/equipment">Parts & Equipment</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/driving-behavior">Driving Behavior</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/rightsizing">Fleet Rightsizing</a></li><li><a href="/conserve/system-efficiency">System Efficiency</a></li></ul> </div> </div> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/stations">Locate Stations</a></h5> <ul> <li><a href="/stations/#/find/nearest">Search by Location</a></li> <li><a href="/stations/#/find/route">Map a Route</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/laws">Laws & Incentives</a></h5> <ul> <li><a href="/laws/search">Search</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/fed_summary">Federal</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/state">State</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/key_legislation">Key Legislation</a></li> <li><a href="/laws/utility-incentives">Utility Incentives</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/tools">Data & Tools</a></h5> <ul> <li><a href="/widgets/">Widgets</a></li> <li><a href="/data_download/">Data Downloads</a></li> <li><a href="https://developer.nrel.gov/docs/transportation">APIs</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="span4"> <div class="footer-nav-list"> <h5><a href="/about.html">About</a></h5> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/vehicle-technologies-office-newsletters">Newsletters</a></li> </ul> <ul><li><a href="/project-assistance">Project Assistance</a></li><li><a href="/contacts">Contacts</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="footer_details" class="row-fluid"> <div class="span24"> <div class="row-fluid"> <div class="span7"></div> <div class="span10 trs"> <a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icf.com"><img alt="TRS" class="pull-left trs" src="/vite/assets/trs-DCCuckIt.png" /></a> <strong>Need project assistance?</strong> <br> Email the <a href="mailto:technicalresponse@icf.com" class="underline">Technical Response Service</a> or call <a href="tel:800-254-6735" itemprop="telephone" class="underline">800-254-6735</a> </div> </div> <br><br> The AFDC is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's <a href="https://energy.gov/eere/vehicles/technology-integration" class="underline">Vehicle Technologies Office</a>. <br><br> <a href="/contacts.html">Contacts</a> | <a href="https://energy.gov/about-us/web-policies">Web Site Policies</a> | <a href="https://energy.gov">U.S. Department of Energy</a> | <a href="https://www.usa.gov">USA.gov</a> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <div id="modal_gallery_enlarge" class="modal modal-gallery modal-gallery-enlarge hide"> <div class="modal-header"> <a class="close" data-dismiss="modal">×</a> <h2 class="modal-title"></h2> </div> <div class="modal-body"><div class="modal-image"></div></div> <div class="modal-footer"> <div class="modal-description"></div> </div> </div> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Diesel Vehicles Using Biodiesel