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Hybrid vs Bio-Diesel
In regards to the article in the current FERN Times, I would like to add the following, after I recieved some emails from some of you out there:
Of course it makes no sense if the Gull Bio-Diesel is sources from unsustainable practices. I did not do any research into where Gull actually sources the 20% from, I merely wanted to make the point that whilst Petrol, LPG and regular Diesel are ALL finite petrochemicals which are not carbon neutral, Bio-Diesel is a renewable, carbon neutral source of energy.
We should however encourage Gull to source it sustainable.
I still believe that I'd rather fill up my car with unsustainable but carbon neutral Bio-Diesel, than with unsunstainale but carbon intensive petrol.
On a second note, I guess the best alternative to all above (apart from walking, cycling and public transport) are Elecric Vehicles if you are on 100% renewable electricity. Hopfully the Prius will be available in OZ as a plug in version with a bigger battery. If you dont want to wait that long, check out the following website:
http://www.bev.com.au/
where you can purchase an EV here in Australia, NOW! I believe there are a few more converters out there...
Take care and drive less!
Update on Bio-Diesel
I just spoke to the General Manager of Gull, Michael Mullins. I asked him about where Gull sources their Bio-Diesel from. He said that it is different depending on the season, but in general, around 80% is sourced from animal tallow, which is a waste product in the meat industry.
Sorry all you Veggos ;-) But at least we are sourcing it from waste / by-products, which is a good thing!!!
Hybrid vs Bio-Diesel
Interesting. I'd never thought about animal tallow being used. I've heard about reusing fish and chip shop oil. And I heard about algae being used to produce oil for biofuels last week at a very interesting and illuminating talk at FERN.
There have been cars powered by steam engines around too that allow you to burn anything you want in their little fireplace!
http://humusbeings.blogspot.com/
Comment from Gull's Ray Richardson on Bio-deisel
"Gull BIO-D has been tested against the regulated automotive diesel specifications and fully complies with all environmental and operability standards.
Gull BIO-D also significantly exceeds some of these parameters; providing higher cetane, higher lubricity (reduced engine wear) and lower sulfur (reduced emissions). This compliance with the regulated diesel spec is critical to Gull – it allows our customers to claim any fuel tax credits on Gull BIO-D that they would be eligible for using petroleum diesel.
Significant sales of B20 (up to 20% biodiesel) blends overseas, 100% positive feedback from our own customers since we launched Gull BIO-D in April 2006, and the enthusiastic use of even higher biodiesel blends (up to 100%) in some vehicles (see www.biofuelsforum.com ), put into context the product itself, and any concerns you may have.
For more details on the product and its availability, please grab a brochure at any of our sites retailing Bio-D, or visit our website at www.gull.biz
With regards your question as to the feed stocks and potential ramifications to the food-short population in the world, we are happy to advise that we are not in any competition with the food markets.
Our B20 consists of 60-70% used cooking oil, with the balance being a tallow bi-product/waste from abbatoirs and the like.
I hope this information and other gained from the above web-sites assist you in your decision on whether to use Gull Bio-D.
Thank you for your interest in our cleaner greener diesel."
- This is copied from an email between Kai Wuthenow and Ray Richardson on 15 May 2008. It may not be reproduced in any form. Thank you. -
Voiding your new car warranty
This is a concern when Hyundai won't support bio-diesel in their new diesel passenger car engines!
We just bought an I30 (great economy at 4.7ltr per 100km) but are concerned with voiding our warranty.
extended warranty
Our company provides affordable extended auto warranty so that vehicle owners never have to receive the bad news of an unexpected and costly out-of-warranty repair bill. With the rising costs of automotive repairs, the purchase of an automobile Warranty Service Contract is a necessity. When you have a claim we pay for the repairs directly to the repair facility immediately upon completion of the work.
An extended auto warranty from estudiobr.com is insured by a licensed and admitted "A" rated or better insurance company. In addition, the extended vehicle warranty offered by estudiobr.com delivers broader coverage than most dealership mechanical breakdown warranties.