According to Pavilion Technologies and Harris Interactive, only 5% of American drivers use biofuels such as biodiesel despite the surge in alternative fuel production and government support.
Many drivers were found to be unaware or misinformed about biofuels. 44% of drivers surveyed did not know the difference between biofuels and regular gasoline. The survey suggests that many consumers did not know that biofuels like biodiesel were cheaper and more environmentally friendly than conventional fuels.
Matt Tormollen, chief marketing officer, Pavilion Technologies said, “There has been tremendous innovation within the industry and manufacturers are using leading-edge technologies to produce more energy-efficient (biofuels) than ever before. The results of this survey demonstrate the critical need to make consumers aware of the benefits of (biofuels)—and then to actually make those alternatives available—in order to ensure the new supply meets demand at the local pump.”
57% of drivers are not sure whether biofuels are more, less, or equally as expensive as traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. The same percentage do not use biofuels because they do not think their car can run on it. Biodiesel can run in most diesel engines without modifications.
The availability of biofuels appear to be the barrier to almost half of the drivers surveyed. They did not know where to buy the alternative fuels and therefore did not use them. 95% of those who did not use biofuels could be encouraged to make the switch with 72% saying a lower price than gasoline or diesel would urge them to choose biofuels instead. 61% said they would switch if the alternative fuels were sold at their local gas station. 63% of drivers overall though would not drive further to a gas station that sold biofuels.
Researchers also found that 59% desired to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and 48% would switch if they were offered a financial incentive from the government.
Despite the fact that 75% of drivers agreeing that they typically opted for the cheapest fuel, 47% indicated that they would pay a premium price for biofuels if they were proven to be better for the environment than conventional gasoline. Biodiesel, a green fuel made from renewable sources such as palm oil, emits significantly less carbon dioxide and sulphur into the atmosphere. THE END.
According to Pavilion Technologies and Harris Interactive, only 5% of American drivers use biofuels such as biodiesel despite the surge in alternative fuel production and government support. 
