What brought CREG to partner with Optimus and test out The Vector System? What were CREG’s goals in turning to B100 fuel use?

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As North America’s largest biodiesel producer, we at CREG are passionate about biodiesel and the benefits it brings to fleets and the environment. When CREG purchased our first truck fleet in 2018, we knew it made sense to make the investment and upgrade the fleet to B100 technology. In April 2019, we upgraded our first two vehicles to B100 technology, and since then have upgraded the entire fleet. Switching to B100 technology allowed us to show our customers that we are truly dedicated to environmental stewardship, and we believe in the product we produce. We are thrilled with the results we have seen from the technology, and have begun to recommend this option to our customers if they are looking at additional options for sustainability in their fleet. 

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How did REG initially get connected with Optimus?

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CREG first became connected with Optimus in 2010 at the ACT Expo in Long Beach, California. At that time, CREG did not own our own fleet, but we were intrigued by the opportunity to introduce B100 technology to diesel fleets around the country. We have worked closely with Optimus over the past few years, not only upgrading our own fleet to B100 technology, but also working with Optimus as a preferred biodiesel fuel supplier to their customers. 

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What is it like working with Optimus?

 

We have had a tremendous experience working with Optimus on the upgrade of our fleet to run on B100. Given that we transitioned from B20 to B100, there were a number of questions we asked to ensure it was a good fit for our fleet. The Optimus team was patient and understanding with us throughout the process, as we walked through the logistics of the B100 technology. Even after installation, the Optimus team has been diligent about staying connected with our team to ensure we don’t have additional questions or needs. They have been a tremendous partner to work with, and we are so pleased we made the switch.

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What achievements have been made so far in the partnership?

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CREG is proud of the successes we have had to date with Optimus Technologies. Not only have we converted our own fleet of six vehicles to B100 technology, but we have also worked jointly with Optimus to introduce the technology to other fleets and municipalities throughout the country. To date, we have jointly introduced B100 technology to the City of Ames, Iowa Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. Department of Public Works, Washington, D.C. Water and Star Oil. 

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How has Optimus Technologies helped your company/municipal fleet better align their company values?

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We believe that the biggest way switching to B100 has helped us align with our values is through the positive environmental impact we have seen. As a biodiesel producer, we see the environmental benefits that utilizing biodiesel can bring. By being able to use B100 technology, we are able to amplify those benefits. Every gallon of B100 that we are using is helping to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 86% compared to petroleum diesel. Over a short period, we have seen large GHG reductions, and we look forward to what the future will bring. For any fleet with sustainability targets and goals, B100 is a great option to consider. 

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Why is the transition to run medium to heavy-duty trucks on B100 important?

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We hear time and time again that the transportation sector is one of the largest, if not the largest, contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our world. CREG has seen for many years that biodiesel is a smart solution for reducing these emissions and can be implemented immediately. This is why B100 technology is so important. For smaller vehicles, such as cars, trucks and SUV’s, there may be different options that exist for reducing GHG emissions, such as battery electric vehicles. However, for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, biodiesel is the solution that is here and ready now. We believe running vehicles on biodiesel, and the ability to run them on 100% biodiesel, is what our transportation sector needs to correct the impact we are having on the environment, and create a cleaner tomorrow.