What is biofuel?
Biofuel is a bioethanol blended petrol. Which means ordinary petrol is blended with a maximum of 10 percent bioethanol.
What is bioethanol?
Bioethanol is a renewable fuel made by fermenting and distilling products containing sugars and starches.
What is bioethanol made from in New Zealand?
In New Zealand bioethanol is currently made from dairy industry bi-products.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel can be made from chemically treated vegetable oil or animal fat and is often blended with mineral diesel to a maximum of 5 percent.
Has Biofuel been used elsewhere in the world?
Yes, bioethanol fuel blends have been used in Europe, Australia and North and South America, for many years.
How does biofuel benefit the environment?
Because biofuel contains bioethanol it burns more cleanly and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas emissions) produced by your car.
How much carbon do I save by using Biofuel?
If you use 30 litres of biofuel a week you will save over 250 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
Which cars can use Biofuel?
Biofuel is better suited to newer vehicles however many older vehicles can use it too. Check our list of biofuel compatible cars or contact your vehicle manufacturer before using biofuel.
Will my car get the same fuel economy if I use Biofuel?
You may notice a difference but overall it will probably be minor. Some studies overseas have shown more fuel economy, while others have shown less.
Is there less energy per litre in Biofuel
There may be a slight difference as the bioethanol in biofuel contains slightly less energy than ordinary petrol. However bioethanol contains more oxygen so your fuel will burn better. Overall energy difference will be minor.
Read more
More information
Our friendly AA Technical Services Helpline can help and advise all motorists on many general problems, including repairs and car buying advice:
- AA Members enjoy this service for free, call toll free on 0800 500 333
- Non AA Members can call 0900 58 324 (a flat fee of $7 per call applies)