Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) is conducting tests using B100 soybean-based biodiesel in heavy-duty diesel engines as part of its efforts to evaluate lower-carbon fuel alternatives compatible with existing internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. The tests aim to assess engine performance, durability and emissions behavior using 100% biodiesel without fossil diesel blending.
The initiative aligns with Brazil’s strong biodiesel production base and leverages the country’s agricultural capacity as a potential pathway for transport decarbonization without requiring immediate large-scale electrification. The evaluation includes technical validation of fuel system components, combustion characteristics and operational reliability under commercial vehicle duty cycles.
Source: Automotive Business Read The Article
PSR Analysis.B100 testing aligns with the agricultural sector’s push to expand domestic biodiesel consumption and supports energy security by reducing exposure to oil price volatility amid geopolitical tensions. OEMs appear to be revising their historically cautious stance toward biodiesel durability impacts, developing technical solutions to enable higher blend compatibility. However, biodiesel still faces cost competitiveness challenges relative to petroleum diesel, which may limit large-scale adoption without regulatory incentives or pricing parity mechanisms. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development, South America, at Power Systems Research
