top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Buses in southern France use rapeseed oil to lower pollution and costs

The company has retrofitted 20% of its vehicle fleet to use the fuel

A photo of rapeseed flowers in a field being grown for fuel and feed

The fuel is made from rapeseed flowers, which are also used for animal feed and oil for human consumption Pic: Esta Webster / Shutterstock

Buses in southern France are saving up to 60% on greenhouse gas emissions by using fuel made of 100% rapeseed oil.

A transport company in Vauvert, south of Nîmes, uses the vegetable oil fuel for 20% of its 50-strong fleet, saving considerable money on diesel costs as fuel prices continue to rise. 

The fuel is Oleo100, and it is used mainly in the Occitanie region so far. 

Christian Garcia, head of the transport firm, told France 3: “It helps us to operate more cleanly. Over the lifecycle of the product, rapeseed oil enables us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel.

“It emits 80% fewer fine particles, which helps improve air quality too.”

The company retrofitted 10 of its existing buses to enable them to run on rapeseed. Mechanics cleaned the diesel reservoir, changed the fuel circuit, and replaced the filters. Each took half a day. The fitting is reversible if the company ever needs to revert back to standard fuel.

Running on rapeseed oil does not affect the vehicle’s power, but uses 8% more fuel overall. However, as the oil costs less than diesel, it is still worth it, the coach company has said.

The fuel is made in France, from the rapeseed flower plant often seen growing as a crop in fields. France produced 4.3 tonnes in 2022. The main producer is Saipol (Société Agro Industrielle de Patrimoine Oléagineux).

The crop also produces protein-rich grains that can be used for animal feed, with more than half of production in France reserved for farmers. 

The remaining produce results in oil, of which 14% is destined for supermarket shelves to be used as salad dressing or for cooking. The rest of the oil is transformed into Oleo100 fuel.

France has not currently allocated enough land to allow rapeseed fuel to replace petrol or diesel on a wider scale, hence its use at a lower level. Some manufacturers in France are also working on generating fuel from wood or straw.

Read more: French MP proposes allowing used cooking oil to be legal car fuel 

Mr Garcia explained that the use of both diesel and Oleo100 suits his company well. He said: “We are aiming for an energy mix. Having an exclusive energy source does not allow us to react to what is happening economically. 

“Having rapeseed oil, as well as diesel and other sources of fuel like gas or bioethanol, enables us to react to economic changes and to be more independent as a result.”

Across Occitanie, around 100 school buses use Oleo100, as do 62 buses on the Lio transport network.

Related articles

Cooking oil mix powers French superjumbo Airbus A380 for three hours 

Cooking oil as fuel, pensions: MPs approve French spending power bill 

Can I use diesel alternatives to drive my car in France?

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France