The future of diesel and the impact of biofuels and e-fuels on security
As the energy landscape evolves, biofuels and e-fuels are becoming an increasingly important part of operations. While these innovations promise sustainability and reduced emissions, they also introduce new risks for fuel security.
It’s essential that you take the time to understand their implications and continue to safeguard your fleet, and we’ve got the perfect device to solve the problem.
At TankSafe, we’ve spent over two decades helping UK fleet operators protect their businesses against issues like fuel theft with our groundbreaking TankSafe® Optimum 9 device. Let’s explore how our products can continue to protect your trucks in an era of change, keeping both operations and employees safe while supporting the move toward cleaner fuels.
How could biofuels and e-fuels change the diesel landscape?
Biofuels and synthetically produced e-fuels are being increasingly considered and adopted across Europe, offering environmental advantages like lower greenhouse gas emissions and renewable sourcing. The good news is that, although they behave differently from traditional diesel, both options are designed to work with existing engines and fuel systems. As drop-in replacements for conventional diesel, biofuels and e-fuels enable fleets to adopt cleaner, more sustainable fuels without major modifications to vehicles or storage infrastructure. This means that, for standard biodiesel blends and e-fuels, anti-siphon devices remain just as effective as they are for conventional diesel, helping you futureproof your fleet for the fuels of today and tomorrow.
Rising value and increased theft risk
A key difference between biofuels, e-fuels, and conventional diesel is cost, with the newer fuels generally more expensive per litre. For example, one 2022 study reported that biodiesel costs 70 % to 130 % more than petrol and diesel on the wholesale market; similarly, peer‑reviewed research suggests that e‑fuels in Europe currently cost roughly two to five times more per litre than conventional diesel, reflecting higher production and capital expenses.
Though these fuels aren’t fully rolled out across every fleet, their higher cost per litre could make them an attractive target. With TankSafe® Optimum 9, you can enjoy total peace of mind with comprehensive protection against all kinds of fuel theft. Its patented float valve rises during refuelling and locks off at around 98% capacity, preventing common, costly issues like siphoning and skimming. In addition to safeguarding against theft, this industry-leading device also stops overfilling and spillage, an especially important benefit to consider when running your fleet on a more expensive fuel type.
Fuel composition considerations and protection
Beyond cost, biofuels and e-fuels bring unique storage and handling considerations that our anti-siphon devices can help to tackle. Biodiesel blends are more prone to water absorption than conventional diesel, especially if tanks aren’t properly sealed, which can lead to microbial growth and fuel degradation. In comparison, e-fuels are chemically very pure and do not absorb water easily, but their solvent-like properties can mobilise pre-existing deposits or residues inside tanks. Therefore, if dirt gains access, it can spread through the fuel more readily than with conventional diesel, potentially affecting performance.
With these factors in mind, clean, secure storage is essential for both fuel types – and again, our products are built to help. The patented design of our TankSafe® Optimum 9 device provides a secure, robust seal that completely prevents water ingress, helping to stop contaminants like dust and dirt from entering the tank. This preserves fuel quality, supports reliable engine performance, and reduces the risk of operational downtime or costly maintenance.
Whatever the future brings for fuel, one thing won’t change, and that’s the importance of strong, reliable security across your fleet. Whether your trucks are running on conventional diesel or newer biofuels, choosing the right anti-siphon device provides lasting protection for the entire lifetime of your vehicles. With TankSafe® Optimum 9, just a simple, five-minute installation can reduce your fuel bills by 15% and provide a typical return on investment in just three to six weeks.
Ready to safeguard your fleet today while preparing it for the fuels of the future? For more information, give us a call on 01253 400 401, and take the first step toward smarter, safer fuel management.