Car Care: Biodiesel a Viable, Green Choice

(AA Motoring/Driven) Biodiesel offers motorists a choice -- Like the cars we drive, fuels have evolved — to the point that it feels like we have more choice than before.

As car manufacturers strive to reduce the impact of their vehicles on the environment, more electricity-powered, or part-powered, vehicles are hitting our streets, but innovation and technological advances have seen the introduction of biodiesel fuel.

Not only is this a viable fuel option for many vehicles, it’s an affordable choice for the everyday diesel driver, who wants to do their bit for the planet.

Z uses this process to manufacture Z Bio D, which is produced from inedible tallow — a waste product from the processing of meat.

Since 2007, Gull has been selling biodiesel, but it’s available only at a limited number of locations. Unlike Z, Gull uses oils from fish and chip shops to produce its biodiesel.

Gull also produces and sells bioethanol, produced by sourcing waste products from the production of beer and milk. Unlike biodiesel, bioethanol is available on a much wider scale and is sold at almost all Gull outlets.

Vehicle manufacturers will approve the use of a mineral diesel that has been blended with a maximum of 5 per cent biodiesel — this is the New Zealand fuel specification for diesel blending. READ MORE