Considering the benefits that green fuels can provide, it is definitely worth exploring for your business.
With lowering maintenance and fuel costs, compliance with newer government regulations, and reducing carbon footprints becoming top priorities for businesses that operate vehicle fleets, it is no wonder fleet managers are turning to green fuels. Considering the benefits that green fuels can provide is definitely worth exploring. However, with many options out there, which green fuel or fuels should you consider adding to your arsenal? To help give you a solid baseline to discuss green fuel specifics with your fuel provider, let us take a look at the many advantages and disadvantages of green fuels used by vehicle fleets. Read on to learn more!
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a kind of diesel fuel made from vegetable oils, recycled grease, or animal fats. It can be legally blended together with petroleum in any kind of percentage, with the most common including B2 (biodiesel, B5 (5%), and B20 (20%). Some of the advantages are:
- Suitable for medium, light, or heavy-duty vehicles
- Usually requires no vehicle alterations
- Can be used in a lot of diesel engines, especially newer engines
- With government incentives, lower total ownership cost compared to gasoline
- Little to no real loss in MPG compared to diesel fuel
- Highly available from fuel suppliers at truck stops and travel centers in most other regions
- Biodegradable, non-toxic, and easy to handle
- Produces fewer air pollutants and fewer greenhouse gases
- Made domestically from non-petroleum, renewable resources
Disadvantages include:
- Loss of 10% of maximum power output with B100, or 100% biodiesel, and 2% for B20
- Filters can clog more often because of higher lubricity
- Gels at warmer temperatures compared to diesel
Ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel derived from multiple different plant materials, like sugar cane, corn, and grass. It is used within flex-fuel vehicles. The most common types of E85, E10, and E15-20. “E” describes the percentage of fuel by volume. Some advantages are:
- Higher octane than gas for increased performance and power
- Natural anti-freeze so it prevents gas lines from freezing up
- Burns cleaner than gas, emitting lower greenhouse gases
- Flex-fuel tax credit
- Lowers air pollutants
- Produced domestically, reduce the use of any imported petroleum
Disadvantages are:
- Only works with flex-fuel vehicles
- Ethanol absorbs dirt, which can cause corrosion and damage
- Not as fuel-efficient as gas
- Produces more smoke-causing chemicals than any petroleum oil
- More fill-ups needed, which might reduce driver productivity
- Not available in some regions
Partner with Howard Energy, Inc. for Fuel Supply and Services
We’ve moved! Howard Energy is now located at 34 Thomas Ave, Brooklyn, MD 21225.
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond – 7 days a week with no surcharge on holidays or weekends.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.