If you are a fleet operator evaluating fuel options that may help lower lifecycle carbon intensity, you do not have to commit to a single alternative fuel overnight. According to Dave Slade, principal biofuels scientist at Chevron, the smarter approach is to build flexibility into a fuel strategy and rely on the right resources to guide those decisions.

Chevron’s portfolio of conventional and renewable fuel options includes petroleum diesel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and lubricants. Slade said that breadth allows the company to provide tailored fuel options to support customers.

“Chevron offers lubricants and a broad suite of fuel solutions,” Slade said. “We’ve worked with many customers to help them navigate strategic fuel decisions, and we are available to help you explore your options.”

The company has also built a network of collaborators across the fleet, rail, marine, and heavy equipment industries, including Cummins, which manufactures the X15N natural gas engine, and Optimus Technologies, which manufactures aftermarket fuel-system technology that can enable B100 use in appropriate applications.

For fleets, that kind of mix matters because fuel decisions are rarely one-dimensional: equipment compatibility, site access, storage, weather, and operating requirements can all shape what is practical day to day. Chevron said its goal is to help customers evaluate those tradeoffs rather than treat fuel selection as a one-size-fits-all decision.

“The strategic advantage of having diversity in your fuel supply boils down to flexibility, especially for companies that have some kind of lower carbon intensity goal,” Slade said. “That flexibility is what allows fleets to access different fuel options in the marketplace depending on price, availability, or even time of year.”

“Choosing the right fuel is like choosing the right tool for the job,” Slade said. “It depends on your equipment, location, goals, and budget. All of these things play a part in which fuel is going to be the right fit for your operation.”

How do you know you are getting quality fuel?

Slade said fuel quality is the number one concern he hears from customers. Not all fuel is created equal, he said.

“We know your equipment is expensive. We know keeping that equipment operational with minimal downtime is a priority,” Slade said. “Quality is a crucial point when we’re talking about fuels, particularly renewable diesel and biodiesel.”

He said poorly processed biodiesel or renewable diesel can potentially cause fuel filter plugging or poor cold-weather performance. Whether a fuel meets its respective ASTM fuel specification may not be the only quality consideration. Additional factors may be needed to determine whether a fuel is appropriate for specific weather, equipment, storage, and operating conditions.

Fleet operators should carefully consider whether a fuel is formulated for their operating conditions.

“Don’t assume it’s made for cold weather. Always ask upfront or work with a provider that can help evaluate those considerations,” Slade said.

Chevron said it strives to apply fuel quality practices intended to meet or exceed applicable specifications and to support customer needs. If issues arise, Chevron may also offer fuel-testing resources to help customers evaluate potential root causes.

What is CNG fuel, and why are fleets paying attention?

Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is gaining traction as a fuel option. In certain engine applications, CNG can enable reductions in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and certain regulated air pollutants, including NOx and particulate matter, compared with diesel. Actual emissions outcomes depend on multiple factors, including vehicle type, duty cycle, engine calibration, and operating conditions.

Beyond possible emissions benefits, CNG may offer fleets an advantage that is harder to find in the fuel market: price stability. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Price Report, CNG has experienced periods of lower retail price volatility compared with most petroleum fuels.

Where other fuel types have seen significant price swings tied to global supply disruptions and commodity cycles, CNG pricing has historically shown more stable patterns than petroleum diesel, according to publicly available information from the Alternative Fuels Data Center.

That historical price stability may help fleet operators evaluate fuel-budget scenarios with more predictability.

The upfront cost of converting a fleet to natural gas is still a consideration. Natural gas vehicles require specific engines, which means a change in equipment. Slade said Chevron has sought to help address some adoption barriers.

“To make it easier, many of our customers start by purchasing a few natural gas trucks to test the benefits without committing to a full fleet conversion,” Slade said. “This allows them to evaluate potential fuel-cost and vehicle performance differences while maintaining flexibility.”

Chevron’s X15N demo program

Chevron and Cummins have collaborated on customer education and demonstration efforts involving the Cummins X15N natural gas engine. It is the first 15-liter natural gas engine designed to deliver diesel-like horsepower, torque, and range for heavy-duty applications.

The engine is only one part of the equation. Hexagon Agility, a developer of fuel systems for heavy-duty vehicles, created a fuel storage system specifically for CNG-fueled trucks and is a key collaborator in evaluating CNG for certain long-haul and regional fleet applications.

The demo program is designed to reduce uncertainty when comparing the cost per mile or weighing CNG prices against current fuel spend. Chevron has acquired three Class 8 tandem-axle Peterbilt day cabs equipped with the X15N engine and Hexagon Agility fuel storage systems. Eligible fleet operators may borrow a truck for up to 18 calendar days, and Chevron provides a fueling card to cover the cost of CNG from Chevron or Beyond6 stations during the trial.

“Fleets can test this equipment for up to 18 days to get a feel for the truck and their refueling options before deciding to make a purchase,” Slade said.

Brian Peterson, Chevron Renewable Fuels National Sales Manager, has described the program as an opportunity for fleets to experience the performance of CNG technology firsthand.

The demo trucks will use Chevron Delo 600 ADF ultra-low ash heavy-duty engine oil. In 2023, Cummins approved Delo 600 ADF for use in certain natural gas engines. Fleet operators should consult current OEM recommendations and specifications when selecting lubricants.

Because Delo 600 ADF meets specifications for both diesel and natural gas applications, some fleets may be able to use a single lubricant across eligible equipment, subject to OEM specifications and operating requirements. Chevron said that could simplify inventory management for some fixed fleets.

Chevron currently operates approximately 60 CNG fueling stations across the United States. Eligible fleets must currently operate Class 8 trucks consuming at least 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year and be located within 10 miles of a Chevron or Beyond6 CNG station. Interested operators can contact their Chevron representative for complete program details and eligibility requirements.

Fleet operators interested in the potential fuel-cost advantages of CNG, the X15N demo program, or biodiesel blends from B20 to B100 can contact a representative for more information.

Visit regi.com/products/other-products/fuels-and-lubricants or reach out to learn more about the X15N demo program.

DISCLAIMER: Environmental, operational, and cost outcomes vary based on fuel source, vehicle type, duty cycle, route, weather, maintenance practices, fueling access, fuel pricing, and applicable lifecycle accounting. Demo program participation, fueling-card availability, trial duration, and eligibility are subject to program terms, vehicle and station availability, and applicable agreements. This article contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Chevron and its collaborators undertake no obligation to update these statements after the date of publication.