The B20 Fleet Evaluation Team (FET) plans to document the experience of fleets using B20 and publish its first report, due to be released soon. NBB organized this group, comprised of NBB experts and representatives of engine and equipment manufacturers, to develop an informed, fact-based position on the use of B20, a 20 percent biodiesel blend. Findings will be based on a stakeholder assessment of actual fleet experience and controlled tests. The team's vision is that the data will lead to a definitive B20 position statement that will represent a diesel engine industry-wide position. Objectives of the NBB Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) outreach program are OEM support of the use of B20 in existing equipment, inclusion of B20 in OEM current research and development programs, and OEM support of the use of B20 in future engine technologies.

Currently, nearly 30 industry stakeholder OEMs are participating in the FET. Fleets participating in the data collection include Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD), Clark County (Nevada) School District, Connecticut Department of Transportation and the USDA. FET is looking to expand the database to include 20 fleets that perform under different environmental and operating conditions.

The evaluation process included a stakeholder review of fleet maintenance records, gathering data relative to B20 use and inspection of components to identify B20 impacts.

The focus remains on obtaining data detailing the fleets' maintenance, repair and warranty experiences. This data may also be useful for comparing fleet operating costs associated with B20 versus regular diesel.