Results from German B100 bus project indicate oil-change intervals can be extended

In a pioneering research project, buses from IOV Ilmenau GmbH were successfully operated and tested on pure 100 percent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel.

The results not only prove the trouble-free use of this ecofriendly type of fuel but also open new perspectives regarding engine oil-change intervals.

The project, initiated by the German biodiesel quality management association AGQM, examined the B100 bus fleet of IOV Ilmenau GmbH with special focus on the engine oil of the buses, which was intensively analyzed.

According to the manufacturers, buses that run on B100 require an oil change three times more frequently to prevent potential problems caused by FAME use.

Most of the engines showed inconspicuous behavior, so that an early oil change is not expedient economically or ecologically.

Some engine systems showed conspicuous behavior after a running time of 30,000 kilometers, but only one engine type showed conspicuous results due to the use of FAME.

This shows that the change intervals for engine oil could be significantly extended.

Biodiesel presents itself as an ecofriendly and attractive alternative fuel for buses.

The use of B100 enables a greenhouse-gas emission reduction of up to 80 percent and fulfills the requirements of the German Clean Vehicles Directive (Saubere-Fahrzeuge-Beschaffungs-Gesetz).

Moreover, the use of FAME ensures the energy security in Germany by relying on renewable and locally produced resources.

“The results of our project are an important step towards ecofriendly mobility and encourage the further integration of this technology into the public-transport sector,” said Richard Wicht, AGQM’s general manager.

“Further, this technology could provide a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in the near future,” Wicht added.

Further information on bus project, as well as the full report, can be obtained from the AGQM website.

AGQM is an organization founded by leading companies of the German biodiesel industry.

As a technical association, AGQM predominantly deals with issues concerning the quality management of biodiesel and its byproducts.