With the start of sale of Biofuel in New Zealand from 1st of August 2007, many Nissan Car drivers will have questions regarding the compatibility of this new fuel with their vehicle.

Before you fill your Nissan with Biofuel please read the following commonly asked questions:

1) Why is Biofuel being introduced in New Zealand?
Since biofuels are produced via renewable energy sources, and the government wishes to reduce our carbon footprint, some oil companies are pursuing the introduction of biofuels.

2) What is E10?
E10 is an ethanol blend fuel which consists of 10% ethanol and 90% petrol. It is produced via the fermentation and distillation of sugars and starches derived from various raw materials.

3) Is it OK to run my Nissan vehicle on E10?
If your Nissan vehicle is a New Zealand new model which was manufactured on or after 1st January 2004, it is able to operate without problems on ethanol blend petrol up to E10 (10% ethanol 90% petrol).

4) Is it OK to run my Nissan vehicle on Bio-Diesel fuel?
If your Nissan vehicle is a New Zealand new model it is able to operate without problems on Bio-Diesel with a biofuel component of 5% or less and compatible with EN590 regulation.

Updated Aug 2010
Please Note:
Nissan New Zealand are advised that biodiesel blends of a ratio of 'B20' are now available in New Zealand however, these fuels are considered 'unsuitable' for use in Nissan vehicles.

Nissan New Zealand advises its customers that the use of biodiesel in any Nissan vehicle is acceptable only to a maximum blend ratio of 'B5' and the usage of 'B20' blended biodiesel is not recommended.

While New Zealand commends any initiative to reduce vehicle emissions, it advises its customers to avoid the usage of biodiesel blended to a ratio higher than B5 as this may cause engine damage. Any such damage would fall outside the manufacturer's warranty and is therefore the liability of the owner of that vehicle.

Any questions regarding biodiesel, and its compatibility with Nissan vehicles, should be directed to your nearest authorised Nissan Dealership.


5) If my vehicle is OK on E10 or Bio-Diesel am I able to run it on higher ethanol content blends?
No. Nissan New Zealand cannot endorse the use of higher blends of fuel.

6) If my Nissan is a used import which was manufactured after 1 January 2004 am I able to use E10 or Bio-Diesel?
Unfortunately, the only specific information Nissan New Zealand has at hand relates to New Zealand new vehicles only. We do not have information on any used import models, and due to this we are unable to endorse its use for any used import Nissan vehicle.

7) How can I tell if my Nissan is a used import or New Zealand new?
You can contact your nearest Nissan dealer on 0800 4 Nissan.

8) Where can I find out more information about Bioethanol?
You can find out more by selecting the New Zealand Government Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) link below.
http://www.eeca.govt.nz/renewable-energy/biofuels/bioethanol/index.html

If you still need any further clarification, please contact us by email at info@nissan.co.nz