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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Renewable Diesel vs. Biodiesel
Both are made from fats and oils, and both run in diesel engines, but renewable diesel and biodiesel are different fuels. Here is how they compare, from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC).
D975the petroleum diesel specification renewable diesel meets
D6751the specification biodiesel (B100) meets
Any amountrenewable diesel can be blended with petroleum diesel
B5 and B20the most common biodiesel blends
The short answer
The AFDC says renewable diesel and biodiesel are not the same fuel. Renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon, usually made by hydrotreating fats and oils, that is chemically the same as petroleum diesel and meets the ASTM D975 diesel specification, allowing it to be used in existing diesel engines; it can replace diesel or be blended in any amount. Biodiesel is made by transesterification, meets ASTM D6751 and is usually sold in blends such as B5 and B20.
Renewable diesel vs. biodiesel, side by side
How the two fuels compare, according to the AFDC:
| Topic | Renewable diesel | Biodiesel |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A hydrocarbon processed to be chemically the same as petroleum diesel | A mono-alkyl ester |
| How it is made | Most often by hydrotreating; also gasification, pyrolysis and other biochemical and thermochemical technologies | Transesterification, which converts fats and oils into biodiesel and glycerin |
| Specification | ASTM D975 (the petroleum diesel specification) | ASTM D6751 for B100; B20 must meet ASTM D7467 |
| Blending | Can be used as a replacement fuel or blended with any amount of petroleum diesel | Blended with petroleum diesel; B5 and B20 are the most common blends, and B100 is rarely used as a transportation fuel |
| Common feedstocks | Fats and oils, such as soybean oil or canola oil | Vegetable oils, yellow grease, used cooking oils or animal fats |
From AFDC, Renewable Diesel, AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, AFDC, Biodiesel Blends and AFDC, Biodiesel Production and Distribution, read November 8, 2026.
What renewable diesel is
Chemically the same as diesel. The AFDC describes renewable diesel as a fuel made from fats and oils, such as soybean oil or canola oil, that is processed to be chemically the same as petroleum diesel. It meets the ASTM D975 specification for petroleum diesel in the United States.
How it is made. Commercial plants currently use traditional hydrotreating: the feedstock is reacted with hydrogen under elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of a catalyst. Other pathways include biological sugar upgrading, catalytic conversion of sugars, gasification, pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing.
Flexible use. Per the AFDC, renewable diesel can fully replace diesel or be blended with any amount of petroleum diesel, and it can be used in existing infrastructure and diesel engines. It can be made from multiple feedstocks.
Where it is used. The AFDC says nearly all domestically produced and imported renewable diesel is used in California, due to economic benefits under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. It cites California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard certified carbon intensities as showing renewable diesel reduces carbon intensity by 65% on average compared with petroleum diesel.
From AFDC, Renewable Diesel, read November 8, 2026.
What biodiesel is
A different fuel. The AFDC describes biodiesel as a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. It is produced by transesterification, which converts fats and oils into biodiesel and glycerin.
Sold mostly in blends. The most common blends are B5 (up to 5% biodiesel) and B20 (6% to 20% biodiesel). B100, pure biodiesel, is typically used as a blendstock to produce lower blends and is rarely used as a transportation fuel.
Cold weather. In general, blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel perform better in cold temperatures; No. 2 diesel and B5 typically perform about the same.
From AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, AFDC, Biodiesel Production and Distribution and AFDC, Biodiesel Blends, read November 8, 2026.
Using them in your diesel
Renewable diesel. Because it meets the ASTM D975 petroleum diesel specification, the AFDC says renewable diesel can be used in existing diesel engines and infrastructure.
Biodiesel blends. All diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends. Low-level blends such as B5 are ASTM-approved for safe operation in any compression-ignition engine designed for petroleum diesel; B20 and lower blends can generally be used in current engines without modifications.
Check first. The AFDC advises consulting your vehicle and engine warranty statements before using biodiesel. Your owner's manual lists the fuels your vehicle is approved to use.
From AFDC, Renewable Diesel, AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel? and AFDC, Biodiesel Blends, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. For a diesel, follow the fuel and maintenance guidance in your owner's manual, and ask our service team which items apply to your vehicle.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Renewable diesel and biodiesel FAQ
What is renewable diesel?
The AFDC describes renewable diesel as a fuel made from fats and oils, such as soybean oil or canola oil, that is processed to be chemically the same as petroleum diesel. It meets the ASTM D975 specification for petroleum diesel in the United States.
Is renewable diesel the same as biodiesel?
No. The AFDC says renewable diesel and biodiesel are not the same fuel. Renewable diesel is a hydrocarbon produced most often by hydrotreating; biodiesel is a mono-alkyl ester produced by transesterification that meets ASTM D6751 and is approved for blending with petroleum diesel.
Can renewable diesel be used in a regular diesel engine?
The AFDC says renewable diesel meets the conventional petroleum ASTM D975 specification, allowing it to be used in existing infrastructure and diesel engines. It can fully replace diesel or be blended with any amount. As with any fuel, follow your owner's manual.
How is renewable diesel made?
Commercial plants currently use traditional hydrotreating, which reacts fats, oils or greases with hydrogen under elevated temperatures and pressures in the presence of a catalyst. The AFDC lists other pathways, including biological sugar upgrading, catalytic conversion of sugars, gasification, pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing.
Where is renewable diesel used?
The AFDC says nearly all domestically produced and imported renewable diesel is used in California, due to economic benefits under the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
Can I use biodiesel blends in my diesel?
The AFDC says all diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends. B5 is ASTM-approved for any compression-ignition engine designed for petroleum diesel; the AFDC advises consulting your vehicle and engine warranty statements before using biodiesel.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about diesel fuel?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford team, or check your owner's manual for the fuel your vehicle is approved to use.
Sources
Renewable diesel and biodiesel details are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 8, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- AFDC, Renewable Diesel, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Blends, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Production and Distribution, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel?, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026