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Ford Announces Biodiesel Compatible Engine
Ford Motor Company has announced the development of a new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine compatible with biodiesel up to B20 for its 2011 F-Series Super Duty diesel pickups that is expected to deliver significant improvement in torque, horsepower and fuel economy.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in product safety testing services, recently announced a new certification path for fuel dispensers for midlevel ethanol blends up to E25.

Resources: Industry Glossary



Natural Gas

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Natural gas, a fossil fuel comprised mostly of methane, is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels. It can be used in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel cars and trucks.

Dedicated natural gas vehicles are designed to run on natural gas only, while dual-fuel or bi-fuel vehicles can also run on gasoline or diesel. Dual-fuel vehicles allow users to take advantage of the wide-spread availability of gasoline or diesel but use a cleaner, more economical alternative when natural gas is available. Since natural gas is stored in high-pressure fuel tanks, dual-fuel vehicles require two separate fueling systems, which take up passenger/cargo space.

Natural gas vehicles are not produced commercially in large numbers—the Honda GX CNG is the only new vehicle available in the U.S. However, conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles can be retrofitted for CNG.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Natural Gas

Advantages

Disadvantages
  • Nearly 87% of U.S. natural gas used is domestically produced
  • 60-90% less smog-producing pollutants
  • 30-40% less greenhouse gas emissions
  • Less expensive than gasoline
  • Limited vehicle availability
  • Less readily available than gasoline & diesel
  • Fewer miles on a tank of fuel

Additional Information