Compare These Top Vendors for Biofuels

One of the major benefits of biofuels is that they are renewable and sustainable. Biofuel companies are becoming more common as we work to free ourselves from petroleum. Companies specializing in the development and production of biofuels are converting a variety of plants and animal by-products into energy. Biodiesel and ethanol are the two most commonly produced biofuels, as they are used to power our vehicles.

If you are considering upgrading your fleet to biofuel, you need to do your homework. Understanding biofuels basics, and the benefits and costs associated with these fuels will help you to make a sound business decision that will benefit your business and the environment.

When gathering essential biofuel information, consider the following:

1. Learn how corn and other plants are converted into ethanol, the most readily available of the biofuels.

2. Understand biodiesel, the workhorse of the biofuels.

3. Discover what types of vehicles are available that run on biofuels.

Expand your knowledge of biofuels by learning about ethanol

Of the available types of biofuels, ethanol is probably the most well- known. Ethanol, a type of alcohol that is blended with gasoline, is sold at gas stations across the country and is primarily used in passenger and light duty vehicles.

Get more information on one of the major biofuels, biodiesel

Many companies in biofuels specialize in biodiesel, which is renewable, clean-burning, and is used to power light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. These companies use a process called transesterification to separate glycerin from fat, which creates fuel from plants or animals. It can be burned on its own, but is usually blended with petroleum diesel.

Find a range of vehicles that burn biofuels for energy

Most modern cars can burn petroleum fuels that have a small percentage of biofuels blended into them. Burning straight biofuels, or high percentage blends, requires a modified engine. Biodiesel kits can convert diesel engines to run on the renewable fuel, or you can purchase a new vehicle designed to run on 85% ethanol.

• The federal government provides incentives for switching to renewable energy, including biofuels. Switching to biofuel gas doesn't have to be more expensive than purchasing conventional vehicles.