Mack Approves Use Of Renewable Diesel In All Its Engines

Ever since oil prices spiked in 2008, America has done a lot of soul-searching in the pursuit of renewable fuels. While electric and hybrid cars have made roads with consumers, those who operate larger vehicles have more limited options. Renewable diesel has held promise as a domestically-made, low-cost alternative to conventional diesel fuel, but questions remained for its use in current engines.

For fans and owners of Mack trucks, worry no longer. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company announced that after extensive testing, it has approved its engines for using renewable diesel fuels rather than conventional diesel. Not only does this alternative for diesel have up to 80% lower emissions, it may also is eligible for a $1 a gallon biodiesel tax credit.

Renewable diesel is different from biodiesel as it relates to the refining process. The fuel is still refined from various biomass feedstocks however, meaning it is for all intents and purposes a limitless source of fuel. While oil prices are reaching record levels not seen in more than a decade, when the prices does inevitably creep back up, those who hedge their bets by going green will have a clear advantage.

“As the availability and customer requests for renewable diesel fuel increase, we worked to ensure its compatibility with our engines,” said Stu Russoli, Mack highway and powertrain products marketing manager. “This approval gives Mack customers who seek to reduce their environmental footprint an additional choice when it comes to alternative fuels.”

In addition to its renewable diesel option, Mack also offers models packing compressed natural gas engines from Cummins-Westport, another alternative touted to replace oil.