Summary

Caltrans has the largest, most diverse mobile fleet in California and, in accordance with the state's goals of abiding by state regulations, displacing petroleum, reducing emissions, and utilizing emerging technologies, may be able to use biodiesel as fuel. There are advantages to using biodiesel including cleaner air, compliance with fleet and fuel rules, and easy substitution for petroleum. A twelve month demonstration was even carried out in Indio, California on the Caltrans fleet. However, there are several factors that have not been reviewed regarding this fuel including fuel costs, environmental impacts (e.g. the potential increase of NOx emissions), and the operability and warranty of the fleet.

The research in this project seeks to insure a smooth introduction of biodiesel to the fleet, an identification of suitable applications of biodiesel, an understanding of the benefits and costs associated with biodiesel, and an avoidance of damage to air quality, fleet equipment, and public safety. This will be done by addressing a series of research questions involving commercial availability and pricing of biodiesel, emissions benefits and costs, exhaust retrofits for fleet vehicles, miscibility with other fuels, optimal biodiesel blend ratios, petroleum reduction calculations, regional issues (e.g. air quality, weather) that could affect biodiesel use, and regulations (enforced by the California Air Resources Board) on biofuels.

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