Benefits of Renewable Diesel & Biodiesel Fuel

As California moves closer to the state goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, there is a growing need for companies to switch to alternative fuels like biodiesel or renewable diesel.

But what’s the difference between these two diesel fuel types, and is there a superior option for your fleet?

What Is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum diesel fuel derived from vegetable oils, greases, and animal fats. It can be used in its pure form B100, but biodiesel blends mixed with petroleum-based diesel fuel are available and known in the industry as B5 and B20.
One of the main advantages of biodiesel is that it can be used in existing diesel engines with little to no modifications. When burnt, it emits 11 percent less carbon monoxide and 10 percent less particulate matter, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Top 5 Benefits of Renewable Diesel

There are many benefits to choosing renewable diesel over traditional diesel or biodiesel. We will explain the top 5 for you here.

The most obvious benefit of renewable diesel is it does not rely on an unsustainable resource like crude oil. This allows your fleet to “go green” and instantly reduce your carbon footprint by utilizing a renewable product.
Unlike biodiesel, renewable fuel is hydrogenated and does not contain oxygen and does not carry the same problems with freezing, storage, and algae. The hydrogenation also allows it to burn cleaner than biodiesel.
Since the renewable fuel shares the same chemical structure as the petroleum-based fuel, it can be instantly substituted in diesel engines which run on traditional diesel with no additional blending required.
In many instances, vehicles with diesel particulate filters have realized a reduction, or elimination, of the need for regeneration, reducing maintenance costs.
Many large government agencies and large corporations in California including The Cities of San Francisco and Oakland, along with UPS have switched to renewable diesel. Their fleet managers have not experienced any loss of power or decrease in miles per gallon performance.

Switching Your Fleet to Renewable Diesel

Now you know what renewable diesel is, how it can benefit your fleet, and help the environment, so how do you get your fleet onto it? As previously mentioned, the fuel is chemically the same as the petroleum-based option and therefore does not require you to make any modifications to your existing tanks, lines, or other engine and exhaust components.

Switching fuel types and reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint is just that simple. In fact, thanks to fleets like yours from across the state switching to renewable diesel, California has realized the largest reduction of transportation-related sources of greenhouse gas emissions ever according to the California Air Resources Board.

Where Can You Find Renewable Diesel

With renewable diesel only being around for a few years, the hardest part of switching may be locating a station. Our sales team are actively working with our retail fueling station partners to provide the fuel in more locations across Northern California.

For Ramos Oil Cardlock Fueling customers, we know offer renewable at three of our convenient cardlock locations:

1515 South River Road, West Sacramento
597 North East Street, Woodland
4420 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento

If your business enjoys the convenience of our fleet fueling program, and you would like to go green and switch to renewable diesel, simple contact your friendly sales representative today to learn how easy it can be!

Renewable Diesel Costs

We know switching is easy to do, greatly benefits the environment, and shows no diminished performance problems; so now we come to the real question, how will switching fuels affect your bottom line?

Luckily for California fleets, the cost of renewable diesel is not that different from that of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) or biodiesel. This is due to the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCSF), which reduces some of the expense.

While the per gallon cost of the renewable fuel can average $0.15 higher than other diesel options, when you take into consideration the diminished GHGs and potentially lowering maintenance costs that come with other options, renewable fuel make a great choice for your fleet.

Are you ready to go green and reduce your company’s carbon footprint? Ramos Oil is here to help! No matter if you are a fleet of one diesel truck, run a large fleet of different diesel vehicles, or want to offer renewable diesel at your retail gas station, our friendly sales staff are here to offer you expert advice and easily guide you through the process.