Your Travel - when it comes to the costs of running their vehicle, most people just shrug their shoulders and keep on paying.

Biodiesel

On this page:

What is biodiesel?

Biodiesel is fuel manufactured from a base of vegetable oils or animal fats. It is commonly sold blended with ordinary mineral diesel.

Used internationally

Biodiesel has been in use overseas for nearly 20 years. Countries that currently produce and use biodiesel include most of the European countries, the United States, Canada, Brazil, India and Australia.

In New Zealand biodiesel is likely to be sold by commercial manufacturers as a B5 blend, comprising 5% is biodiesel and 95% ordinary mineral diesel.

Benefits of biodiesel

Using biodiesel in New Zealand transport will help:

  • reduce emissions of carbon dioxide – one of the major greenhouse gases associated with global climate change
  • reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
  • reduce some air pollutants
  • increase New Zealand’s use of renewable energy.

Using biodiesel in your vehicle

Biodiesel has several key consumer benefits:

Key consumer benefits

  • Biodiesel and ordinary diesel are compatible.
  • Engine modification is not needed.
  • Engine performance is not compromised.

Fuel compatibility

Most people who use diesel engines will be able to use biodiesel blends without noticing any difference and without any engine or fuel system modifications. You can fill up with a biodiesel blend or normal diesel, whatever is most convenient, and have a mix of both in your tank at the same time.

Helps engine performance

Biodiesel has good combustion and lubrication properties, making it a good option for your engine. You don’t have to switch permanently.

Take action

For a safe and easy change to biodiesel use this checklist. This will help avoid any minor problems that may occur.

Checklist for switching to biodiesel


1. Flush out old fuel systems

  • In older vehicles or fuel systems in poor condition, biodiesel blends have been known to loosen dirt and fuel deposits and carry them through to the fuel filter.
  • So it is wise to have the old tank and fuel system flushed out by your mechanic before using biodiesel blends.
  • Get the fuel filter replaced after your first few tanks of biodiesel blend.

2. Be alert to fuel system leaks

  • If your fuel system is old or in poor condition it is possible – although unlikely – that using biodiesel blends causes it to leak.
  • Be on the lookout for any wet spots, unusual smells, or other signs of leaks. If you do see any, get your vehicle checked by a mechanic.

3. Travelling in winter

  • In winter, don’t park in the mountains or overnight in very cold areas if the biodiesel blend has not been purchased locally. (Simply driving through these areas is not a problem). The same applies for ordinary diesel – only locally purchased fuel will be formulated to suit the colder temperatures.

4. Storage and handling

  • Just like ordinary diesel, biodiesel blends should be stored somewhere cool and dark, in closed containers.
  • Don’t let biodiesel stand: use it within six months of purchase. Take the same safety precautions you would take with ordinary diesel – avoid skin contact, splashes in the eyes or inhaling the fumes.

Biodiesel specifications

Fuel quality is a vital issue. Drivers need to know that any biofuel blends are going to work just as well in their vehicles as normal petrol or diesel.

You can be confident about the quality of any biofuel blends for sale in New Zealand as they must meet the fuel specifications regulated by the government.

Biodiesel blends are not commercially available in New Zealand currently.

More information:


Back to top

EECA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority - Te Tari Tiaki Pūngao.