DaimlerChrysler approves B20 biodiesel in Dodge Rams
DaimlerChrysler has approved the use of a 20 percent blend of biodiesel in its Dodge Ram pickups in government, military and commercial fleet customers. Use of the so-called B20 is approved effective with the 2007 Model Year Dodge Ram pickups equipped with Cummins diesel engines, according to a news release from the South Dakota Soybean Association.
Last year Chrysler Group initiated a factory fill of B5, a 5 percent biodiesel blend in the Jeep Liberty diesel SUV. In the case of diesel powered Jeep Liberties, every vehicle is fueled with B5 at the assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio.
The auto manufacturer is working with the National Biodiesel Board and others to develop a consistent, universally applied American Society for Testing and Materials quality standard. That would allow DaimlerChrysler to recommend B20 to all Dodge Ram diesel owners.
DaimlerChrysler’s announcement comes at a time when NBB has initiated an $11 million project with the U.S. Department of Energy and major diesel engine manufacturers. The aim of the project is to make biodiesel blends up to B20 significantly cleaner than today’s cleanest natural gas engines or hybrid vehicles.