For close to two decades, Cummins has authorized the use of biodiesel in its on-highway diesel engines. Its flagship model, the X15, is cleared to operate with B20—a fuel blend containing up to 20% biodiesel, most of which is soybean-based. Truck fleets and independent operators running B20 in the X15 have consistently benefited from improved lubricity, reduced emissions, and higher cetane ratings compared to petroleum diesel.
The advantages of biodiesel, a naturally low-carbon fuel, are expected to grow even further when paired with Cummins’ upcoming 2027 X15 engine. “Now more than ever, I’m eager to hear industry feedback,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America, noting how the latest generation of diesel engines like the 2027 X15 comply with EPA’s 2027 emission standards. He emphasized that companies remain committed to cutting emissions even beyond regulatory requirements.
Major players such as Pepsi and ADM recently revealed plans to trial B99—nearly pure biodiesel—at Pilot’s pioneering U.S. fueling site. Their trucks will use Optimus systems designed for B100 operation. Clean Fuels Alliance America has long collaborated with Cummins and other manufacturers to enhance biodiesel’s availability and performance. Currently, the Department of Energy lists more than 1,660 public and private stations nationwide that provide B20.
Jeff Klopfenstein, a liquid fuels specialist at Cummins’ Chemical Technology Group, confirmed that the company is already testing blends above B20. “That effort is going to ramp up quickly because businesses want to decarbonize,” he explained. Fenwick added that despite regulatory rollbacks in some regions, demand for renewable, low-carbon fuels is growing, with customers making proactive choices to shrink their carbon footprint.
Steve Howell, co-founder of MARC-IV Consulting and longtime chair of ASTM’s Biodiesel Task Force, has also partnered with Cummins for years to refine biodiesel performance. He believes corporate climate commitments will fuel even stronger adoption, especially as electric truck mandates face delays at state and federal levels. “That’s what’s driving momentum,” Howell said. “Biodiesel in advanced diesel engines, alongside renewable diesel, is poised to win because these 2027 models deliver near-zero tailpipe NOx emissions.”
Both Howell and Fenwick praised Cummins for its extensive field and lab testing of biodiesel, tracing back to its first formal approval in 2007. “Cummins has provided critical data to establish standards and identify performance benchmarks for biodiesel,” Howell noted. Fenwick agreed, calling the collaboration outstanding.
And this is just the beginning—next, Tom will dive deeper into the testing and specifications that continue to boost biodiesel’s performance.
The advantages of biodiesel, a naturally low-carbon fuel, are expected to grow even further when paired with Cummins’ upcoming 2027 X15 engine. “Now more than ever, I’m eager to hear industry feedback,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director at Clean Fuels Alliance America, noting how the latest generation of diesel engines like the 2027 X15 comply with EPA’s 2027 emission standards. He emphasized that companies remain committed to cutting emissions even beyond regulatory requirements.
Major players such as Pepsi and ADM recently revealed plans to trial B99—nearly pure biodiesel—at Pilot’s pioneering U.S. fueling site. Their trucks will use Optimus systems designed for B100 operation. Clean Fuels Alliance America has long collaborated with Cummins and other manufacturers to enhance biodiesel’s availability and performance. Currently, the Department of Energy lists more than 1,660 public and private stations nationwide that provide B20.
Jeff Klopfenstein, a liquid fuels specialist at Cummins’ Chemical Technology Group, confirmed that the company is already testing blends above B20. “That effort is going to ramp up quickly because businesses want to decarbonize,” he explained. Fenwick added that despite regulatory rollbacks in some regions, demand for renewable, low-carbon fuels is growing, with customers making proactive choices to shrink their carbon footprint.
Steve Howell, co-founder of MARC-IV Consulting and longtime chair of ASTM’s Biodiesel Task Force, has also partnered with Cummins for years to refine biodiesel performance. He believes corporate climate commitments will fuel even stronger adoption, especially as electric truck mandates face delays at state and federal levels. “That’s what’s driving momentum,” Howell said. “Biodiesel in advanced diesel engines, alongside renewable diesel, is poised to win because these 2027 models deliver near-zero tailpipe NOx emissions.”
Both Howell and Fenwick praised Cummins for its extensive field and lab testing of biodiesel, tracing back to its first formal approval in 2007. “Cummins has provided critical data to establish standards and identify performance benchmarks for biodiesel,” Howell noted. Fenwick agreed, calling the collaboration outstanding.
And this is just the beginning—next, Tom will dive deeper into the testing and specifications that continue to boost biodiesel’s performance.