KEA leads the way with bio fuel, over 100,000 km travelled so far

KEA Campers believes in the importance of continuing the Biodiesel Grant Scheme

KEA Campers believes in being a sustainable and environmentally-responsible company. Our goal is to be leading the industry in this area.  As part of this mission, KEA has now been using 100% bio diesel in our transfer van since November 2009.

In December 2008 KEA joined forces with New Zealand bio fuel producer, New Zealand Ester Fuels, to develop a bio diesel suitable for our Auckland transfer van – a 2008 Ford Transit, the same vehicle as the rental fleet’s 2 berth campervan. We ensured that the fuel was made using waste products, 100% bio diesel and met the New Zealand standard. The result was a bio diesel derived from used vegetable oils collected from restaurants and chicken cooking/processing operations. The transfer van was filled using a purpose built fuel tank installed at KEA’s depot, starting with a blend of 20% bio diesel and 80% regular diesel. This was soon increased to a 50:50 mixture by September 2009 and since November 2009 we have been using 100% bio diesel.

The Auckland transfer van provided an excellent test subject for this project for two reasons: not only does it provide a great addition to our customers’ experience with KEA having travelled on 100% non fossil fuel, the vehicle also runs solely between the KEA depot and Auckland airport or hotels in the city centre. This provides an excellent controlled environment and as the van travels approximately 60,000 km per year, there was ample testing opportunity.

So far, the van has travelled over 100,000 km on 100% bio diesel and the results have been extremely positive. By conducting regular oil checks it was noted that there was less water in the oil than usual and the vehicle was sustaining less wear and tear than to be expected for regular diesel, as a result of the cleaner and more lubricating bio diesel. The first trial proved so successful that KEA is now expanding the use of biodiesel into  other vehicles in its fleet.

Bio diesel not only reduces the level of CO₂ emissions, but it is derived from 100% natural, renewable resources. In addition to the environmental benefits, it also provides KEA customers with an excellent introduction to the country, further promoting New Zealand’s clean and green image.

KEA plans to continue the use of bio diesel and eventually extend it into our rental fleet, hoping to set a precedent for other companies to follow. KEA does have concerns that expanded use may be at risk if proposed cuts to the Biodiesel Grant Scheme occur. KEA is also concerned that the supply of bio diesel could be jeopardised if the industry is not supported by a critical mass of users.

See KEA's long list of environmental achievements on the KEA Green page