The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently published a comprehensive report exploring the potential of renewable diesel (RD) fuel as an eco-friendly alternative for diesel-powered trucks. This study, part of ongoing research into the environmental impact of trucking, investigates how RD could significantly reduce carbon emissions in the industry while maintaining operational efficiency.
In contrast to traditional diesel and battery-electric (BEV) trucks, RD emerges as a promising contender. ATRI’s analysis delves into the environmental ramifications, operational implications, and financial aspects of adopting RD in trucking operations, shedding light on its viability and benefits.
Jeff Short, ATRI’s vice president, highlights previous research findings indicating that RD outperforms BEVs in terms of lifecycle emissions, encompassing various stages from production to disposal. While BEVs offer a potential 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to internal combustion engine trucks, RD demonstrates an impressive 67.3% decrease in emissions for existing Class 8 trucks.
One of the key advantages of RD, as emphasized by Short, is its chemical similarity to petroleum diesel, requiring no modifications to existing diesel engines or equipment. This characteristic makes RD a feasible option for long-haul operations, unlike BEVs which face limitations regarding range and weight.
Bill Aboudi, owner of AB Trucking, attests to the seamless transition to renewable diesel in his fleet, experiencing no adverse effects on truck performance over the past seven years. While biodiesel, another alternative fuel, necessitated occasional filter replacements due to initial cleansing effects, RD exhibited smoother integration without such issues.
Despite California’s push towards zero-emission trucks, particularly BEVs, Aboudi advocates for incremental steps towards sustainability, citing RD’s potential to reduce particulate matter emissions as a positive advancement.
ATRI’s research delves deeper into the environmental impact of RD versus BEV trucks, revealing significant reductions in lifecycle CO2 emissions with RD across various mileage scenarios. Furthermore, operational considerations highlight RD’s parity with traditional diesel in terms of performance and mileage, contrasting with BEVs’ limitations in range and charging infrastructure.
Moreover, ATRI underscores the weight disparity between BEVs and diesel trucks, impacting cargo capacity and revenue potential. This weight discrepancy, coupled with substantial upfront costs for BEVs, poses significant challenges for widespread adoption.
In terms of cost comparison, BEVs incur higher initial purchase costs and face uncertainties regarding electricity prices and infrastructure. On the other hand, RD prices are influenced by feedstock availability and government subsidies, with California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program stabilizing RD prices.
ATRI’s findings indicate a growing trend towards RD adoption, with increasing production capacity and consumption rates in the U.S. The expansion of RD refineries presents a tangible pathway towards reducing emissions in the trucking sector without the need for extensive infrastructure overhauls associated with BEV adoption.
Ultimately, RD emerges as a practical and environmentally beneficial alternative for diesel-powered trucks, offering a seamless transition path towards reducing carbon emissions in the trucking industry. With its chemical similarity to petroleum diesel and proven efficacy in reducing lifecycle emissions, RD stands as a promising solution in the pursuit of sustainable transportation.
