KIA Indonesia Claims Its Vehicles Are Safe for B50 Fuel

PT Kia Sales Indonesia (KSI) has stated that its diesel-engine products are ready to consume B50 fuel, but the company is still awaiting certainty regarding the regulations and fuel specifications that will be implemented nationally. KSI VP Operations, Harry Yanto, explained that the government has conducted a series of tests before launching B50. These tests were carried out on various vehicle models circulating in Indonesia with distances of up to 50,000 kilometres. He noted that many consumers do not yet fully understand the composition of B50. Contrary to the common assumption that it consists of 50 percent palm oil-based biodiesel, the latest formula actually combines around 35 percent palm oil-based Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) with 15 percent Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), while the remainder is fossil-based diesel. Although HVO is more expensive to produce than FAME, it is claimed to reduce the potential for corrosion and maintain the performance of the injection system in modern diesel engines. ‘The difference between B40, B30, and B50 is that it does not use 50 percent palm oil. So, if I am not mistaken, it is 35 percent palm oil and 15 percent HVO. HVO is indeed slightly more expensive, but it is good for diesel mixtures, so it does not cause more severe corrosion in the fuel lines,’ he explained. The manufacturer emphasised that the high-pressure common rail diesel engines currently in use are theoretically still recommended to use Pertamina Dex because of its sulphur content below 50 ppm, which meets Euro 4 engine requirements. In the Indonesian market, the only diesel model currently marketed by KIA is the Carnival Diesel, which already uses a Euro 4 standard common rail engine. KIA assesses that modern diesel vehicles are fundamentally safe regarding fuel quality developments, but their injection systems, filters, and fuel lines are much more sensitive than older generation diesel engines because they must meet Euro 4 emission standards. Meanwhile, the distribution of low-sulphur fuel in Indonesia is still being carried out in stages. According to information received by the industry through Gaikindo, the nationwide availability of Euro 4 standard diesel is estimated to be evenly distributed only by the end of 2027.