GM announced today that its new lineup of heavy-duty diesel pickups will have B20 biodiesel capability. B20 fuel is a blend of 20-percent biodiesel and 80-percent conventional petrodiesel, which helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessens dependence on foreign petroleum.
With filling stations in Portland required to offer B5 (5% biodiesel and 95% petrodiesel) by city mandate, this is good news for heavy truck users in our area. Many stations, including the large Jubitz truck stop N. Vancouver and several stations downtown already offer B20 for retail sale, and Sequential Biofuels offers B50 and B99 (50% and 99% biodiesel, respectively) at several stations in the metro area.
GM’s new Duramax 6.6L turbo diesel engine has been substantially revised to include B20 capability, as well as to meet strict new emissions standards effective this year. The new Duramax will power the redesigned 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups, as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.
“B20 capability in our new heavy-duty trucks is the latest addition to a growing number of alternate fuel options offered by General Motors,” said Mike Robinson, vice president, Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. “We are seeking different paths to fuel solutions in order to maximize efficiency, reduce emissions and minimize the dependence on petroleum.”
“The 2007 federal energy bill mandates increased biodiesel production and more states and municipalities are requiring it,” said Robinson. “Biodiesel production is growing and GM is excited and ready to satisfy demand with our new B20 capable Duramax 6.6L engine.”
But if you're planning to convert used cooking oil to run your truck, think again.
“Strict testing and validation was performed to ensure the new engine is B20-capable, however approved biodiesel is the only way to guarantee engine performance and longevity,”
said Coleman Jones, GM biofuels implementation manager.
Comments