Prototype Issue
Lovecraft Biofuels’ Steel Soul Conversions
By April Caires
(page 2 of 2)Best of all, says Krant, whose own car was converted in 2005, “It’s very nice driving right past those gas stations.”
Still, conversion has its perils, and its limitations. Although there is no shortage of diesel engine cars—Lovecraft’s website lists more than 200 models, with a heavy emphasis on Benz diesels—the vast majority of cars on the road run on gasoline, which makes them ineligible for this type of conversion. Also, many of the converted cars are quite old and, veggified or not, have their fair share of old-car problems.
But Friedman says “990 out of 1000” Lovecraft customers are happy.
Despite, and because of, its overwhelming success, Lovecraft has faced some not-so-subtle opposition, both from competitors who want to be the “big dog” in biofuel and from the biggest big dog of all: the petroleum industry.
Friedman says saboteurs have hacked Lovecraft’s website and that the company has had to file fraud claims against phonies claiming to sell Lovecraft cars.
Then there’s the legislative response, which Friedman claims hasn’t always been pretty.
“The policies that happened behind closed doors are influenced by money and the stuff that happens on the public front is influenced by getting votes in environmental issues,” he says, referring to recently tightened legislation regarding the collection of waste oil. “You’ve just got to hope the laws start to accommodate the industry that’s being formed.”
Beyond individual vehicle conversions, Friedman sees a bigger picture. He believes the big solution will be fuel grade vegetable oil for farmers. Because tractors, generators, distribution trucks and other farming equipment all run on diesel, all are eligible for a biofuel conversion.
Lovecraft’s recently introduced Farm Fuel Self Sufficiency Project seeks to expand biofuel options for farmers.
“The cost of fuel is hundreds of thousands of dollars for small farmers per year.” After conversion, he says, “the fuel costs savings would be the difference between a farm going under or making it.”
Friedman never meant to start a movement, but Lovecraft may yet turn into one.
“Starting with the farmers,” he says, “this has the potential to be the world-changing solution.”
Lovecraft Biofuels 4000 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 323-644-9072 www.lovecraftbiofuels.com
Crap Posted by Chuck Gery 586 days ago
I thionk this is crap
Amazing! Posted by Tom McKenzie 583 days ago
I think this is an amazing solution and my next car will probably be a one that has the veggie oil option. By the way, for more information about running your car on free Waste Veggie Oil (WVO) from your local greasy spoon, stay California compliant by joining the Grease Haulers Club, where meeting your license and insurance requirements is easy: www.greasehaulers.com.
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