Foursprung: Cars running cheaper, cleaner on veggie oil

Conversion kits make it possible to fuel up with used fast-food products.

Jill Fuss' navy-blue 2001 diesel Jetta might look like any other Volkswagen.

Only the license plate, reading "Vegi VW," or the "running on pure vegetable oil" bumper sticker give away clues that the car is a little different.

It runs on 100 percent vegetable oil, a fuel technology still relatively new and experimental, with side effects ranging from difficult use in cold temperatures to an interior smell reminiscent of food.

Straight Vegetable Oil, also known as SVO, is a renewable resource that can only be used to fuel diesel engines. Still, more people are "going veggie."

Fuss, 33, is a postdoctoral researcher in molecular biology at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She says her reasons for switching to veggie oil-powered transport a year ago were both environmental and political.

"Our veggie car satisfies our desire to drive a more environmentally and politically friendly vehicle, while helping to reduce our fuel costs. It's really a win-win," she said. "Plus, it has a really great stereo."

And then there's the smell. Fuss' Jetta doesn't smell distinctively of hamburgers or stir-fry, but has an aroma that is definitely foody. It has a fried-food-type smell, reminiscent of greasy french fries or tempura, and lingers as if the car recently transported such snacks.

"People tell me it smells like food," Fuss said from behind the wheel.

Running a car on vegetable oil can cut sulfur dioxide emissions, which are a proven primary cause of acid rain, industry experts said.

Additionally, Fuss estimated veggie oil has reduced the carcinogens her car emits by 95 percent. These benefits could lead to a reduction in smog, global warming and better human health.

Not to be confused with biodiesel fuel, which is vegetable oil with chemicals added, SVO has no additives. SVO has not been tested as long as biodiesel, so the effect on engines is largely unknown. And modifying a car to an SVO system voids the warranty.

Please also read: "Best biodiesel conversion kit", "Biodiesel: Made with sugar catalyst" and "Audi A3: Salad oil race car!".

Foursprung, BioDiesel, VW Jetta

Source: Inside Bay Area

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