Frequently Asked Questions

Does Conserv Fuel sell gasoline?
Yes. We sell three grades based on octane levels: Unleaded (87), Unleaded Plus (89), and Unleaded Premium (91).

Why do I want to buy gasoline from Conserv Fuel instead of the major oil companies?
It’s about voting for change. When you choose to fuel your vehicle at Conserv Fuel—whether it’s a Toyota Prius, Chevy Suburban, or Porsche 911—you are supporting a more sustainable filling station model. This will enable Conserv Fuel to open additional locations and make more responsible fueling options available to more people.

What makes Conserv Fuel different from other gas stations?
The availability of biofuels like B99 biodiesel and E85 ethanol are the most obvious differences. Conserv Fuel is the only station in Los Angeles to offer B99.  As of January 2008, Conserv Fuel opened the second E85 pump in the state and the first station in Los Angelesto offer E85. Philosophically, Conserv Fuel stands apart in promoting efficiency and sustainability as core values. The company is also locally and independently owned.

When will Conserv Fuel offer E85 ethanol?
Conserv Fuel is NOW SELLING E85!

Is ethanol (E85) worse than gasoline because of all of the fertilizer and energy it takes to grow corn and transport it?
The answer, unequivocally, is no. While corn-based ethanol is far from perfect and while we look forward to more-efficient and environmentally friendly ethanol technologies, this renewable and domestically produced fuel is a world better than petroleum-based gasoline. Especially when that petroleum requires the U.S. military to secure its supply lines from regions of the world that are openly hostile to and/or at war with the United States. When you decide to fuel your vehicle with ethanol or biodiesel, you are supporting our nations farmers and our domestic economy.

What is the difference between ethanol (E85) and biodiesel (B99)?
Ethanol is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based gasoline fuel that can be used at low percentages in any gasoline engine. All gasoline in California is blended with a small percentage of ethanol. Higher blends like E85 require a gasoline engine with flex-fuel capability (see below). Biodiesel is a renewable alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel that can be used in any diesel engine with no modifications; biodiesel can be used in either its pure form or blended at any percentage level with petroleum diesel.

What type of car do I need to run E85?
You need a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV), which essentially amounts to a feature you can request, akin to four-wheel drive or tinted windows, on many new models from General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and Mercedes-Benz. There are approximately seven million FFVs on the road in the U.S. today. In addition, most any gasoline engine can be converted to flex-fuel through a simple and relatively inexpensive conversion. Consult a mechanic or dealership for more information.

What type of car do I need to run B99?
You need a vehicle with a diesel engine. In terms of U.S. passenger cars, these consist predominantly of models, both new and used, from Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, several full-sized trucks from General Motors, Ford, and Dodge offer diesel options. Most commercial freight and delivery trucks also use diesel engines.

In addition to offering biofuels, what other ways is Conserv Fuel a “green” filling station?
Recent structural upgrades to the Brentwood station included the installation of a vapor-recovery system that captures otherwise pollution-causing vapors from the pump nozzles before they can escape into the atmosphere. This will be mandatory for all California gas stations by 2009. The new Conserv Fuel signage uses recycled plastic and aluminum; high-efficiency lighting will be used in the signs and canopies; and solar panels will be installed on the canopies. The company’s website also provides useful information and a public venue in which to exchange ideas and further the cause of responsible fueling.

How does using biofuels mitigate the effects of global warming?
Unlike fossil fuels, the plants used to produce biodiesel and ethanol (predominantly soy and corn respectively) absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow. This gas is stored within the fuel until it is released upon combustion in direct proportion, gram for gram, to how much CO2 was originally stored. In this way, the use of biofuels is carbon neutral and contributes no net CO2 to the atmosphere at the tailpipe.

Is there a plan to open additional Conserv Fuel locations?
Conserv Fuel is seeking to expand by offering branded B99, B20, and E85 pumps to independent gas station owners who want to offer more responsible fueling options. If you live in an area that needs access to biofuels, please sign up as a Conserv Fuel member and update your membership with an address and phone number. This tells us where best to focus our expansion efforts by demonstrating local demand.

1. Lifecycle CO2 emissions for biofuels are measured differently and take into account emissions from producing the fuel itself. However, since lifecycle emissions are rarely considered when calibrating CO2 emissions for other renewable forms of energy like wind & solar and since most carbon offsets for gasoline and diesel do not account for lifecycle emissions, then it makes no sense to use different standards for biofuels.