A team plans to drive a car across the US using just one tank of renewable diesel. In the One Tank Across The USA challenge, the team will pilot a CLP Motorsports Superlite Coupe from Jacksonville, FL to Santa Monica, CA along Interstate 10 using one tank of NesteNEXBTL renewable diesel made from bio-based raw materials. The Superlite Coupe is powered by a modified Volkswagen 1.9-liter TDI engine. Race and stunt driver Tanner Foust will take the wheel for a portion of the 2,400-mile journey, which begins June 21. Read more in the press release below.
European automakers are warning the EU that new emissions rules will hurt business. They say that stricter CO2 rules could raise production costs by as much as €2,000 (about $2,250) per vehicle, which would hurt competitiveness. European automakers are asking the EU to balance restrictions with other measures to reduce carbon emissions. “This includes the carbon content of fuels, driver behavior, infrastructure and the potential of intelligent transport systems,” says Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan, and chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. Read more from Reuters.
The USDA has announced that it is now accepting applications from states, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, for the Biofuels Infrastructure Partnership. With $100 million in competitive grants to be matched by states, the USDA hopes to fund the infrastructure for producing clean, homegrown energy. The goal is to double the number of pumps offering higher blends of renewable fuels. The USDA also expects this program to support farmers, grow the clean energy economy, reduce carbon pollution, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. States are allowed to work with private companies on their offers, and states that match grant funds with equal or greater amounts will be more likely to secure the funding. Read more in the press release from the USDA.
HOUSTON, June 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — A team of motorsport enthusiasts will drive from Atlantic Coast of Florida to the Pacific Coast of California on just one tank of renewable fuel in June 21-26, 2015. This is made possible by NEXBTL renewable fuel that is produced from bio-based raw materials by Neste, the world’s largest producer of renewable diesel.
“Americans have a long tradition of taking cross-country road trips, sometimes aiming for speed records, sometimes just making a leisurely jaunt. One team is taking a different approach to this long-distance challenge in the middle of June 2015: drive coast-to-coast on one tank of fuel made of completely bio-based raw materials. We believe this may be a first time for this type of trip,” said Kaisa Hietala, Executive Vice President, Renewable Products at Neste.
NEXBTL renewable diesel – a high-performing low carbon biofuel
Neste’s NEXBTL renewable diesel can replace petroleum diesel on a drop-in basis due to having the same chemical properties as the ultra-low sulfur diesel. It can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional diesel by as much as 90 percent over its lifecycle. NEXBTL is fully compatible with all diesel engines and delivers better performance because it has higher cetane and burns more completely than petroleum diesel. NEXBTL is not the same product as biodiesel (FAME).
Neste provides NEXBTL renewable diesel to U.S. refiners, blenders and fuel distributors. NEXBTL is also available to consumers at retail stations in Northern California.
Race car and stunt driver Tanner Foust joins a team of motorsport enthusiasts
The Guest Champion in Across the USA challenge is Tanner Foust, four-time X Games gold medal winner, three-time U.S. Rallycross champion and two-time Formula Drift champion.
“I’m really excited about the next project I’m doing. It is NEXBTL renewable diesel and we are driving across the entire U.S. on one tank of fuel. It will be an amazing trip,” said Foust.
Other drivers are Pat O’Keefe, Vice President of Golden Gate Petroleum and owner of CLP Motorsports; Luke Lonberger, an experienced motorsports driver and General Manager at CLP Motorsports; and Michel von Disterlo, a lead mechanic at CLP Motorsports.
The Car is a Superlite Coupe powered by Volkswagen engine
The car is a Superlite Coupe (SLC) that is custom-built by CLP Motorsports. It has the aerodynamics necessary for maximum efficiency at speed, which is enhanced by a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis and fiberglass body. The SLC has all of the handling of a race car, but it is street legal and is powered by a modified Volkswagen 1.9-liter TDI diesel engine.
2,400 miles and through eight states
The across the USA drive will start on Sunday the 21st of June. The SLC car will drive across the United States on Interstate 10, the fourth-longest transcontinental highway in the U.S., which is more than 2,400 miles long. It runs through eight states, starting in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and ending on the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.
For more information on Neste’s One Tank Across the USA Challenge, please see:
Team video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6tXnUu03UY
Campaign website: www.neste.us/across
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nesteus
