SOUCE: Optimus Technologies
August 5, 2024
BY Optimus Technologies Inc.
Pittsburgh-based Optimus Technologies built a patented system – and continues to prove – that some long-held beliefs about B100’s performance in extreme cold should follow the way of the dinosaurs.
Optimus set out to disprove the notion that clean fuels struggle to power engines operating in sub-zero temperatures. Most recently, they traveled to Columbus, Indiana-based Analytical Engineering’s Drive-In Cold Cell testing facility, where engineers put an International truck upgraded with the company’ solutions through the paces.
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And while Optimus will continue comprehensive tests, “We proved B100 works at -30°,” concludes Jon Ewing, Co-Founder and Director of Engineering.
“Optimus’ eco system of products makes clean biogenic fuels like B100 immediately viable and affordable for fleets,” Ewing adds. “We have more than ten million miles, 750 trucks and now additional evidence that clean transportation can happen no matter the operating conditions or weather.”
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Optimus’ ability to thrive in cold weather was previously reinforced by pilot partner ADM, who noted that their five Optimus trucks performed flawlessly in -10°F temperatures in Central Illinois in February 2021. In addition, the company’s systems have been successfully used in snowplow fleets in communities such as Washington D.C. and Ames, Iowa.
The U.S. EIA maintained its outlook for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released March 11. Production forecasts for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) were also maintained.
SK Energy on March 10 announced that it had signed a contract with Cathay to supply no less than 20,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) until 2027. SK Energy has been supplying ISCC certified SAF to Cathey since November 2024.
The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation has awarded Courtney Videchak the 2025 Beth Calabotta Sustainable Education Grant. Videchak is a Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate at the University of Michigan with experience working on diesel engines.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in February named the recipients of the 2025 Renewable Fuels Marketing Awards. Al’s Corner Oil was recognized for ethanol marketing and Pro Cooperative was recognized for biodiesel marketing.
Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program has announced it is now accepting applications for funding to support clean fuels production and clean fuels transportation and storage projects.