Navigating the world of biodiesel and alternative diesel products doesn’t need to be confusing. At Energie Fuel, we not only here to save you money on fuel, but also to empower you to make more informed fuel decisions. We also provide clear diesel and red dyed diesel through our bulk fuel services. So, what’s the difference between all the various types of diesels?
The most common form of diesel sold at gas stations throughout the United States is clear diesel. This type of diesel is meant to be used by diesel-powered vehicles that drive on public roads. This would include commercial trucks, passenger cars with diesel engines, and even buses. Clear diesel is undyed and is taxed specifically for highway usage at the state and federal levels.
Now biodiesel is typically used in the United States in blends with petroleum diesel. While blends can range from B5-B100, B20 is the most popular blend. B20 blend consists of 20% biodiesel and 80% standard petroleum diesel. Biodiesel is considered low-carbon biofuel that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While not every gas station offers biodiesel, it is becoming more common across the United States. For easy tracking, you can utilize the Alternative Fueling Station Locator on the U.S. Department of Energy website.
The other category of alternative diesel is renewable diesel. Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, renewable fuel falls into four different categories: biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. These renewable diesel options reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by 50% or more. Renewable diesel can be blended with any amount of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) at any ratio making it a flexible fueling option. Although renewable diesel is available at less gas stations, you can still find participating sites on the Alternative Fueling Station Locator.
Then there’s red dyed diesel, which is what we offer through our bulk fuel service. Red dyed diesel is also known as off-road diesel because it is primarily used for agricultural machinery, generators, construction equipment, and other off-road vehicles. Unlike clear diesel, dyed diesel is exempt from highway taxes because it is not intended for use on public roads. Although the chemical structure of red dyed diesel is the same as regular diesel, it is not considered biofuel, unlike green diesel.
For savings on biofuel and alternative diesel, we would recommend enrolling in our fuel card program. You’ll enjoy savings when refueling your vehicle with diesel, biodiesel, and renewable diesel. For businesses operating in remote locations, our bulk fuel program would reduce the number of trips to a station to buy clear or red dyed diesel. We work with businesses that already have an above-ground or below-ground tank, and we also offer tank rental as an option for businesses that are still looking to buy clear or dyed diesel in bulk.
If you have any questions about diesel, biodiesel, or alternative diesel, we are here to help!