In 2006, through a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Willow Bend purchased a yellow 2002 VW Beetle TDI.
Being a diesel vehicle, we are able to run it on biodiesel! The fuel system was also converted so that it could be run on waste vegetable oil. The system consists of a fuel heater and filter, and an extra 2-gallon tank that fits in the spare tire in the trunk.
Originally, diesel or biodiesel would be put in the small tank to start and shut down the engine. This way the engine was allowed to warm up enough for the veggie oil, which is much thicker than diesel fuel, to run through. A switch on the dashboard allowed a quick change from the small tank to the regular tank that was filled with veggie oil.
Unfortunately, due to Flagstaff’s often-chilly climate coupled with the BioBug’s particular type of engine, veggie oil tends to gel up in the Bug despite the extra heater. Now we put veggie oil in the small tank for demonstration purposes in warm climates (aka Phoenix). Biodiesel (made from vegetable oil) is also thicker than regular diesel fuel so we mix the two fuels together: 50% of each in the summer months, and 20% biodiesel in the winter months.
The BioBug gets almost 50 miles per gallon. Since our biodiesel is made from old fryer oil, we’re giving a waste product another life! Biodiesel and veggie oil emit far less toxic emissions than either unleaded or diesel fuel. Look for the Bug around town!
Classroom Programs on the BIOBUG
We currently offer classroom programs about the BioBug that address alternative energy, climate change, emissions, and health.