Myth: Biodiesel is an experimental fuel and has not been thoroughly tested.
Fact: Biodiesel is one of the most thoroughly tested alternative fuels on the market. A number of independent studies have been completed with the results showing biodiesel performs similar to petroleum diesel while benefiting the environment and human health compared to petroleum diesel. That research includes studies performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stanadyne Automotive Corp. (the largest diesel fuel injection equipment manufacturer in the U.S.), Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and Southwest Research Institute. Biodiesel is the first and only alternative fuel to have completed the rigorous health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. Biodiesel has been proven to perform similarly to diesel in more than 50 million successful road miles in virtually all types of diesel engines, countless off-road miles, and countless marine hours. Currently, more than 300 major U.S. fleets use the fuel.

Myth: Biodiesel does not perform as well as diesel.
Fact: One of the major advantages of biodiesel is the fact that it can be used in existing engines and fuel injection equipment with little impact to operating performance. In more than 50 million miles of in-field demonstrations, B20 showed similar fuel consumption, horsepower, torque, and haulage rates as conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity and it has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel.

Myth: Biodiesel doesn’t perform well in cold weather.
Fact: Biodiesel will gel in very cold temperatures, just as conventional petroleum #2 diesel does. Although pure biodiesel has a higher cloud point than #2 diesel fuel, typical blends of 20 percent biodiesel are managed with the same fuel management techniques as #2 diesel. Blends of five percent biodiesel and less have virtually no impact on cold flow.

Myth: Biodiesel causes filters to plug.
Fact: Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Pure biodiesel (B100) has a solvent effect, which may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use. With high blends of biodiesel, the release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken to replace fuel filters until the petroleum build-up is eliminated. This issue is less prevalent with B20 blends, and there is no evidence that lower-blend levels have caused filters to plug.

Myth: A low percentage blend of biodiesel with petroleum diesel will cost too much.
Fact: Using a two percent blend of biodiesel is estimated to increase the cost of diesel by two or three cents per gallon, including the fuel, transportation, storage and blending costs. Any increase in cost will be accompanied by an increase in fuel quality since low-blend levels of biodiesel greatly enhance the lubricity of diesel fuel. Additionally, covered fleets can use biodiesel to fulfill up to 50 percent of their alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) purchase requirements covered under the EPAct. The Congressional Budget Office and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have confirmed that using biodiesel with existing infrastructure is the least-cost alternative fuel option for meeting the federal government’s EPAct compliance requirements.

Myth: Biodiesel causes degradation of engine gaskets and seals.
Fact: The recent switch to low-sulfur diesel fuel has caused most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to switch to components that are also suitable for use with biodiesel. However, biodiesel used in pure form can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time. Experience with B20 shows that no changes to gaskets or hoses are necessary.

Myth: No objective biodiesel fuel formulation standard exists.
Fact: The biodiesel industry has been active in setting standards for biodiesel since 1994 when the first biodiesel taskforce was formed within the American Society for testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM approved a provisional standard for biodiesel (ASTM PS 121) in July of 1999. The final specification (D-6751) was issued in December 2001.

Myth: Biodiesel does not have sufficient shelf life.
Fact: Like petroleum, the current industry recommendation is that biodiesel be used within six months or re-analyzed after six months to ensure the fuel meets ASTM specification (D-6751). A longer shelf is possible with the use of storage-enhancing additives.

Myth: Engine warranty coverage would be at risk.
Fact: The use of biodiesel in exiting diesel engines does not void parts and materials workmanship warranties of any major U.S. engine manufacturer.

Myth: There is not enough infrastructure to prevent shortages of biodiesel.
Fact: The biodiesel industry has shown significant growth both domestically and internationally. Innovation Fuels plans for a production capacity of 300 million gallons per year by 2009.

Myth: There is no government program to support the development of the biodiesel industry.

Fact: Bills supporting the use of biodiesel were introduced to the U.S. Congress in 2003, including one that set a renewable standard for fuel in the U.S. and one that gives biodiesel a partial fuel excise tax exemption. More than a dozen states have passed favorable biodiesel legislation.

¹National Biodiesel Board