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Re-activateThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a form of synthetic diesel fuel, cracking open the door to more widespread use of biodiesel. Produced by California startup company Amarys, this synthetic diesel is called "No Compromise Fuel." It is certified by the EPA for use in cars up to a 35-percent blend. Amarys also produces ethanol for sale to gas stations and oil companies.
In this case, the synthetic diesel fuel is unrelated to what is commonly sold as biodiesel. Most biodiesel today is made from vegetable or animal oil, saturated with alcohol. The fuel recently approved by the EPA is made synthetically from crop materials such as sugarcane and sorghum, making it more similar in origin to ethanol than to traditional biodiesel.
One main problem with biodiesel today is that most automakers will not warranty engines running on more than tiny amounts of it, because they say the quality is inconsistent. The only vehicles certified to run blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel without voiding the warranty today are heavy-duty trucks from Ford and General Motors.
Having a diesel substitute certified by the EPA is likely to help set a standard for other biodiesel producers to follow.
See our guide to fuel economy for advice on saving gasoline. Learn about future technologies in our guide to alternative fuels.
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