Fleets Invest in B-100 to Reduce Emissions

The City of Ames, Iowa, and the Washington D.C. Department of Public Works have both used B-100 in their fleets, expanding use of the fuel after successful pilots.

B-100 is 100% biodiesel, and by using Optimus Technologies’ technology, it can be used in conventional diesel-powered vehicles, according to Renewable Energy Group (REG). REG provides B-100 as well as turnkey services including storage tanks, dispensers, and logistics solutions.

The City of Ames began using B-100 in 2020 on five city-owned vehicles. They were successfully used during a polar vortex, where temperatures reached -20 degrees F.

“It’s fair to say the first year our drivers were cautiously optimistic about operating B-100 in their vehicles, particularly in the middle of a snowstorm. The last thing they want is to be stranded somewhere because of a fuel issue,” said Rich Iverson, fleet support manager for the City of Ames, said in a release. “Now, after a year of success, our drivers don’t think twice about fueling up on B-100 and getting out on the roads.”

Due to the success of the project, the city added seven dump trucks to the fleet with the B-100 technology integrated. The 12 vehicles will allow the city to save more than 200 metric tons of carbon emissions in 2021.

The D.C. Department of Public Works piloted the B-100 technology on six garbage and recycling trucks in 2018. Since that time, the department has continued to grow B-100 use and will have 100 trucks operating on B-100 by the end of the year.

“The increasing use of B-100 in the DPW fleet is in part to help us reach our goal of 50% greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2032,” said DPW fleet associate administrator, Ryan Frasier. “Moving forward, our intention is to only purchase heavy-duty trucks that operate on B-100 technology.”