Ten Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) snowplows with Optimus Technologies’ advanced fuel system technology powered by 100% biodiesel (B100) helped clear over two feet of snow in the Des Moines area this past winter with near-zero carbon emissions.
Over the course of the season, the vehicles used over 9,000 gallons of biodiesel and successfully treated almost 55,000 miles of roadway, significantly lowering carbon emissions at the same time. Iowa’s DOT is leading the nation in B100 adoption in vehicles where there are no electric alternatives.
“The Iowa Department of Transportation is becoming a global leader in carbon reductions while taking the next steps forward toward the state’s sustainability goals,” said Todd Cogdill, Fleet Manager for the Iowa DOT. “This is coming to fruition as a result of Optimus’ advanced technology coupled with fuels produced right here in Iowa.”
The Iowa DOT is one of the original early adopters of biodiesel in its fleet. For more than 20 years, the Iowa DOT has utilized B20. The Vector System enables Iowa DOT to increase biodiesel usage to 100% by eliminating traditional issues associated with higher biodiesel blends, such as gelling, even in sub-zero temperatures. This project is another example of the Iowa DOT demonstrating its forward-looking leadership. In 2020 Iowa DOT launched an initial B100 test project with five upgraded trucks. Due to the success of the original project, Iowa DOT has since placed two additional orders, ordering a total of five new trucks equipped with the B100 technology, bringing the total to ten.