Is B100 biodiesel closer than we think?

To support commercial transportation fleets navigating carbon reduction mandates, Optimus Technologies and Chevron have partnered to expand the commercial availability and adoption of 100% biodiesel (B100). The collaboration combines Optimus’ specialized engine conversion hardware with Chevron’s refined fuel infrastructure and supply chain.

At the center of the deployment is the Optimus Vector System, an bolt-on technology capable of retrofitting both new and existing heavy-duty diesel equipment. Data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indicates that operating on B100 yields an average $CO_2$ reduction exceeding 70% compared to petroleum diesel—substantially outperforming standard B20 blends, which average approximately 15% $CO_2$ reductions.

The Vector System allows conventional diesel platforms to run seamlessly on pure B100 without compromising engine durability or cold-weather operational reliability. Key system components include:

• Automated Fuel Selector Valve: Automatically manages fuel switching between conventional diesel and B100 based on operating parameters;
• Heated Biodiesel Tank Assembly: Features an internal heat exchanger with dedicated supply/return lines to prevent fuel gelling in colder climates;
• Vector Manifold Module: Houses an integrated fuel pump, temperature/pressure sensors, a dedicated B100 filtration unit, and a secondary heat exchanger;
• Telematics & Carbon Accounting Suite: Tracks operational status, fuel consumption metrics, system diagnostics, and verifiable carbon intensity reporting for fleet managers;
• Driver Interface Unit: Provides real-time cab alerts, fuel level tracking, and operational mode visibility.

Strategic Fuel Quality Standards for Heavy Fleets

Because running 100% biodiesel requires strict fuel purity to protect high-pressure common-rail injection systems, Optimus enforces fuel specifications tighter than current ASTM market standards. Chevron supplies the refined B100 fuel required to meet these tight tolerances across its corporate fleet distribution network.

“The ability to utilize Optimus and their technology to run 100% biodiesel in a standard diesel engine is a major benefit for corporate fleets looking to advance beyond B20 blends,” stated Jon Scharingson, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Chevron. For commercial fleet directors, the combined system provides a capital-efficient decarbonization pathway that leverages existing vehicle assets and maintenance infrastructure.