There are a number of alternative vehicle fuels available of which pure plant oil is just one. Pure plant oil is produced by crushing and filtering oil-based crops such as rapeseed, palm or nuts. This neat oil can then be used in some diesel engines. This type of fuel was, in fact, first used by Rudolf Diesel in 1912 as the fuel for his first engine, which ran on peanut oil.
Pure plant oil is not currently widely used in the UK but is more popular in other European countries and in particular in Germany. At the present time manufacturers in the UK will not usually provide a warranty for a vehicle running on pure plant oil as it would require modifications. This is normally in the form of a heater on the fuel line in order to assist the flow of fuel and a pure plant oil supplier should be able to inform you about where you can have your vehicle modified. There is no established refuelling network in the UK, however, unlike Germany, making it difficult to run a vehicle on this type of fuel.
With regards to the environmental impact of pure plant oil as a fuel, it is considered that the carbon dioxide emission from ‘well to wheel’ are lower than those of diesel, but the emissions from the vehicle will be of a similar level. The exact carbon dioxide emissions are difficult to determine in terms of production and usage as this depends heavily on the manufacturing process.
Thinking of converting to an alternative fuel? Take a look at our step by step Alternative Fuel Conversion guide.
