DaimlerChrysler is expanding the use of biodiesel fuel by approving use of B20 (20% biodiesel) in Dodge Ram pickup trucks, but initially only in military, government and commercial fleet models.
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Use of B20 is approved from the 2007 model year and will require use of biodiesel fuel that meets the fuel specifications established by the US military.
Initially, DaimlerChrysler is approving use of B20 in Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines for fleet customers only but is working with the government, automotive suppliers, energy providers, universities and independent agencies on a national fuel standard that would make B20 an option for all owners of diesel models.
“Biofuels represent a huge opportunity to reduce fuel consumption and our dependence on foreign oil,” said Chrysler Group president and CEO Tom LaSorda in remarks prepared for the Economic Club of Detroit 23 January meeting.
Biofuels reduce overall emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe emissions of particulates and smog-forming compounds and their use also supports the American agricultural economy.
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By GlobalDataPromoting increased use of biodiesel is a part of DaimlerChrysler’s campaign to re-introduce diesel-powered passenger vehicles to US consumers. Current diesel vehicles offer fuel economy improvements of 30% and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, compared with petrol-powered vehicles, the company said.
“While diesel technology alone can make big strides toward helping us meet our national energy, environment and security objectives, when you add biodiesel and other biofuels, it gets really interesting,” LaSorda said.
DaimlerChrysler has also announced plans to market vehicles this year equipped with BlueTec, emission technologies that will enable diesel vehicles to meet the toughest environmental standards.
“The Mercedes E320 full-size sedan, powered by a six-cylinder Bluetec diesel engine, will be the cleanest diesel in the world,” LaSorda said.
Chrysler Group has previously endorsed use of B5 (5% biodiesel) fuel in the Jeep Liberty [Cherokee] CRD diesel SUV, and every vehicle is fueled with B5 at the assembly plant in Toledo. In addition, use of B2 is approved for the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz-made Dodge Sprinter vans.
Most US biodiesel is made from soy beans but DaimlerChrysler is participating in research programmes in Germany and India to develop processes for producing high-quality biodiesel from non-food agricultural products.
In the United States, Chrysler Group is taking part in an extensive biodiesel research program, including development of a national B20 specification. The research partnership includes Detroit-based nonprofit NextEnergy, Biodiesel Industries, the nation’s largest chain of biodiesel refineries, automotive suppliers Bosch, Delphi and Cummins, along with researchers based at Wayne State and Michigan State universities, with initial work to include much-needed research and field testing of biodiesel fuels.
Chrysler is also working with Michigan State researchers and the US Environmental Protection Agency to re-use a brownfield site in the Detroit area to produce crops for biodiesel research and development programmes.
“Biofuels are proof that at least part of the solution to our energy, environment and national security issues can be homegrown,” LaSorda added.
