Liberty Diesels With B5: It’s a Good Step!
09 September 2004
DaimlerChrysler will fill each new 2005 Jeep Liberty Common Rail Diesel (CRD) vehicle rolling off the assembly line in Toledo, Ohio, with 5 percent biodiesel (B5). The biodiesel is produced from soybeans grown in Ohio.
DaimlerChrysler globally has been working hard with biofuels and synthetic fuels in addition to the new clean diesel technology. Topping off Jeeps with B5 is a good symbolic step in opening a U.S. marketing campaign that includes these elements.
“This is an important first step in encouraging wider use of these clean, renewable, environmentally-friendly fuels in the United States,” said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO.
The CRD technology in the Liberty diesel improves efficiency and reduces emissions by exactly calibrating the amount and pressure of fuel injected into the engine’s combustion chambers. (Increasing the degree of control of the quality of the combustion in the cylinder based on load and other conditions is key to maximizing the efficiency of the burn and minimizing the emissions. A good emissions control program starts with improved in-cylinder control.)
The Liberty diesel achieves 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, overall approximately 30% higher than Liberty’s comparable 3.7-liter V-6 gasoline engine. The Liberty diesel also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by some 20% compared to the gasoline version.
“With biodiesel, we can increase these benefits even further. And because biodiesel is made from renewable resources, we further reduce our dependence on petroleum for our transportation needs,” Zetsche said.
Now clearly, B5 isn’t the solution to all our problems. But kudos to Chrysler for making the gesture and putting the topic into the mainstream.
What about the car guaranties? Is using the biodiesel fuel in Jeep Liberty "legal"?
Posted by: Peter | 28 September 2004 at 03:20 PM
B5 definitely is—but that’s only 5% biodiesel. Here it is from Chrylser:
I don’t know what happens warranty-wise if you run B100 and end up with a problem due to fuel quality, but I’ll see what I can find out.
Posted by: Mike | 28 September 2004 at 09:24 PM
Strange isn't it; I can buy a Dodge ram diesel, a Ford or Chevie diesel pickup in New York state. I can also buy a Mercedes or VW diesel in New York state.
I CAN NOT buy a Jeep Liberty CRD in New York state
What gives???
Posted by: John | 12 October 2004 at 01:54 PM
The issue with higher blends of Biodiesel is very close to being resolved, in this country by the ASTM. Currently petrodiesel is covered by a very old standard,ASTM D975 and biodiesel(B100) is covered under ASTM D6751. What is still to be issued is the "blend standard" which will create a baseline for manufacturers to write warranties against. Most of the field work is done and in fact the ASTM voted recently to hold off until a landmark study is written up,that is now done. It is interesting to note that even with the diesel standard,poor diesel quality is very common and well documented. Up until 10 years ago or so, gasoline was also prone to contamination and quality issues, then the EPA came down like a ton of bricks on refiners/blenders/marketers/distributors with fines and inspections. Inevitably, they are turning their sights on the diesel network, including biodiesel blends. Once confidence, (in the process control context) , is achieved, manufacturers will warranty higher blends.
Posted by: Phil Lane | 07 March 2005 at 01:53 AM
I have John Deere 4400, I mix 1.5 gallons new cooking oil (canola, soy bean...) with 7.5 gallons of Chevron diesel, roughly B-20. This tractor loves it ,it runs slightly cooler, a little quieter, and power and fuel consumption are the same as B-0. the exhaust smells better too. It works for me, it works for JD. Now JD is green inside and out. Paul
Posted by: Farmer Paul | 14 April 2005 at 05:29 PM
John said on October 14, 2004 that he can buy a Mercedes or VW diesel in NY. Am I missing something? Please tell me how to do this, other than finding one that has 7,500+ miles, making it a used vehicle. Used and relatively new VW diesels are hard to find. Please tell.........
Thank you,
Posted by: Rachel Green | 15 August 2005 at 07:52 PM
can u tell me ...
when the economical time to use the biodiesel...
Posted by: mohd basir | 03 October 2005 at 02:43 PM
wonder if I can buy a jeep liberty diese in FL. and drive it for a while then register it in NY
[email protected]
Posted by: Bill | 22 November 2005 at 10:51 AM