Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost - Transport Cafe

Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost-effective Van Use
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Biofuels
The Fuel
The two main types of fuel are biodiesel and
bioethanol. Bioethanol is primarily a substitute for
petrol and not of real significance to the van industry.
Biodiesel is produced from the oil of crops including
oilseed rape, sunflowers and soybeans, as well as
from waste cooking oils or rendered animal fats. It is
available in blends from 5% to 100% biodiesel – these
are known as B5 for the 5% blend, and so on.
Vehicles
At present, biodiesel is used most commonly as a B5 blend. In fact, most diesel
purchased at the pumps is now B5. Manufacturers will guarantee vehicles to use this
blend; some will guarantee their vehicles for operation on blends up to B30. For higher
percentage blends, engine modification is likely to be required.
Environment
Biodiesel can offer carbon savings compared with conventional diesel. However, the
indirect effects of biodiesel are being re-examined to ensure sustainability.
Cost
There are no vehicle modification costs associated with running a vehicle on a B5
blend. There are no London Congestion Charge reductions for vehicles using biodiesel
because such vehicles can also use conventional fuels.
There is a fuel duty incentive of 20 pence per litre (biodiesel component only) until
April 2010.
Refuelling
Diesel can be sold with up to 5% biodiesel added and does not need to be separately
identified at the pumps. There is limited availability of higher percentage blends and
operators may need to consider holding a supply in their own storage and dispensing
facilities.