Project Summary

Renewable fuels have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels without requiring new infrastructure, mineral resource extraction, or carbon-intensive manufacturing. However, a key barrier to widespread adoption is a lack of end-user confidence, particularly concerning operational performance and fuel economy.

This project used the U-M campus as its laboratory, demonstrating  that renewable fuels pose no operational issues and, in this test case, delivered nearly a 75% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil fuels. 

The research team conducted side-by-side comparisons of a refuse truck and a campus bus, each operated on diesel and, separately, on 100% renewable fuel. They evaluated fuel economy, vehicle performance, life-cycle impacts, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Conducted in partnership with U-M Transportation and Waste Services and in consultation with Chevron Renewable Energy Group (CREG), this project contributes to a growing body of research focused on bus electrification and alternative renewable fuels. The project also supported the development of low-carbon options for heavy-duty vehicles that can not be easily electrified.

Moreover, U-M, CREG, and other fleet operators now have a real-world comparison of ownership costs and GHG emissions reductions associated with renewable fuels. U-M Transportation and Waste Services has used the findings to inform its investments in the transportation system, weighing whether to pursue decarbonization through a transition to 100% renewable fuels, 100% vehicle electrification, or a blended approach.

The project fostered a collaborative relationship between the Auto Lab and stakeholders at U-M Transportation Services and CREG. In particular, the grant collaboration paved the way for CREG to launch a major renewable fuels research project at the Auto Lab to compare additional renewable fuel blends and assess their performance relative to fossil fuels and electricity. Project findings were presented to a range of stakeholders at conferences and workshops and also served as the foundation for a Master's student’s thesis.
 

This project received a $10,000 Catalyst Grant in 2022.

Project team: André L. Boehman, PI (Engineering | U-M Ann Arbor); Shelie Miller, Co-I (SEAS | U-M Ann Arbor); William McAllister (U-M Transportation and Waste Services); Scott Guenther (U-M Transportation and Waste Services); Samuel Moran (U-M Transportation and Waste Services); David Slade (Renewable Energy Group, Inc.).