Optimus Technologies, Inc. Secures California Executive Orders: Decarbonizing the Heavy-Duty Transportation Sector through the Use of 100% Biodiesel

(Optimus Technologies) B100 Technology Arrives in California for the First Time -- Optimus Technologies, Inc. is a clean energy technology company based in Pittsburgh, PA that manufactures the Vector System, an advanced fuel system technology that enables diesel engines to operate on 100% biodiesel (B100). The Vector System is designed for medium and heavy-duty fleet applications to enable decarbonization of the transportation sector. Unlike electrification and hydrogen solutions, Optimus’ Vector System is a technology that is in use today at scale with leading municipal and private fleets throughout the country.

On May 23rd, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Emissions Certification and Compliance Division issued Executive Order (EO) D-864. Having determined that Optimus’ Vector System does not reduce the effectiveness of the applicable vehicle pollution control system, EO D-864 provides an exemption for the use of the Vector System in the State of California in model years 2010-2019 on-road diesel engines ranging in size from 6.7 liters to 16.0 liters. CARB’s Oil and Gas and GHG Mitigation Branch previously issued to Optimus EO G-714-ADF-ST1-01, which authorizes an Alternative Diesel Fuel Stage 1 Pilot Program to use the Vector System with 100% biodiesel fuel upon receipt of an EO from the Emissions Certification and Compliance Division. With receipt of both EO D-864 and EO G-714-ADF-ST1-0, Optimus is now authorized to begin its Stage 1 Pilot Program for the Vector System in California. To Optimus’ knowledge, both Executive Orders are the first of their kind to be issued by CARB.

Biodiesel is a domestically produced advanced biofuel made from renewable plant and animal materials such as soybean oil and beef tallow, as well as recycled used cooking oils. Biodiesel is readily available in California today as a blended product with traditional and renewable diesels but until now, the maximum usable blend has been limited to 20%.

According to CARB’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard Pathway Certified Carbon Intensities data, 100% biodiesel fuel, due to the biogenic sources that it is derived from, has carbon intensity values as low as 8.61. When compared to California average refinery diesel fuel with a carbon intensity of 100.5, B100 provides up to a 91% reduction in carbon. In addition to the carbon reduction benefits, biodiesel fuel also has a higher cetane rating, increased lubricity, and generates 58% less engine combustion particulate matter2, all of which contribute to a reduction in operating and maintenance costs, improved efficiency, and extension of engine life.

Colin Huwyler, founder and CEO of Optimus Technologies, highlights the importance of decarbonization of the transportation sector, specifically heavy-duty transportation that is challenging and costly to electrify. “Climate science is clear. The planet is warming at an alarming rate, and the biggest contributor to that change is greenhouse gases produced by industry. Carbon emissions are cumulative in the atmosphere, and we know that reductions made now have a greater impact than reductions made in twenty years. At Optimus Technologies, we know that the drive to carbon neutrality will take multiple technologies and recognize that electrification has made great progress in light-duty vehicles. The reality though is that electric vehicles just aren’t well suited for the demanding requirements of heavy-duty applications like long-haul shipping, refuse collection, snow removal and many others basic functions our society relies on every day. The Vector System is already hard at work providing an immediate pathway to achieve carbon neutrality from Washington D.C. to Portland, Oregon. Biodiesel is ready today, it is available at scale, and the Optimus Vector System brings the benefits of B100 to heavy-duty fleets. We are excited to have secured the necessary Executive Orders to begin Optimus’ Stage 1 Pilot Program in California.”

Optimus is excited to hit the ground running, partnering to deploy the first Vector Systems, in California with Valley Pacific Petroleum, a family-owned fuel distributor that has been fueling California since 1947. Valley Pacific understands what it means to deliver quality fuels to California and embraces the advances that B100 and Optimus Technologies unlock for sustainable, responsible heavy-duty fleet operations.

For more information about Optimus Technologies, B100, or the California Executive Orders, visit www.optimustec.com. For more information on Valley Pacific Petroleum visit www.valleypacific.com.

¹“California Air Resources Board.” LCFS Pathway Certified Carbon Intensities | California Air Resources Board, California Air Resources Board, https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/lcfs-pathway-certified-carbon-intensities.

²California EPA “Multimedia Evaluation of Biodiesel” Multimedia Working Group, May 2015. READ MORE

Podcast: Biodiesel Magazine Podcast: Optimus Technologies: Fuel Systems Enabling Smooth Transitions to B100 (Biodiesel Magazine)

Excerpt from Optimus Technologies: Optimus Technologies, a diesel engine decarbonization company focused on the largest and
most challenging sectors of the transportation industry, announced today that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently issued a new executive order permitting the use of its Vector System and B100 in on-road diesel engines through the 2023 model year.

Optimus Technologies is the global leader enabling heavy-duty diesel engines to run on 100% biogenic fuel. “We are delighted that B100 has again been recognized in California – a state that leads the nation in emissions control – as a viable solution to immediately help reduce carbon emissions” said Colin Huwyler, Founder and CEO of Optimus Technologies.

The patented, exhaustively proven, bolt-on, advanced fuel system from Optimus Technologies, enables B100 powered medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles to reliably operate at full efficiency in any weather condition. Unlike BEV and FCEV solutions, Optimus Technologies and B100 are already in use at scale in leading private and municipal fleets. These operational assets are currently exceeding their 2030 CO2 emission targets.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, vehicles using B100 instead of petroleum diesel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 95%. Furthermore, data published by the DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory indicates that total lifecycle carbon emissions from B100 powered vehicles are considerably less than BEV and FCEV solutions.

CARB aims to fight climate change and protect the public from the harmful impacts of air pollution. The organization sets emissions standards for all vehicles in California and evaluates the emission control systems of all new engines/vehicles that will operate in California. This Executive Order issued by CARB means the Vector System can be used to upgrade existing vehicles and be applied to engines that operate in California without reducing the effectiveness of CARB’s required emission control systems. READ MORE