Episode Details

Diesel engines have powered the global economy for over a century. Optimus Technologies is making sure they can power the future, too. 

Based in Pittsburgh, Optimus has developed a system that allows existing diesel engines to run on renewable fuels — like biodiesel derived from used cooking oil or agricultural byproducts — without sacrificing performance. 

It's a deceptively elegant solution to a massive challenge. 

While electric vehicles dominate headlines, the reality is that heavy-duty transportation from freight trucks to municipal fleets still relies heavily on diesel. In fact, roughly 70% of freight in the U.S. moves by truck. Replacing that infrastructure overnight isn't feasible. 

Optimus offers a bridge. 

Its Vector System, a combination of hardware and software, can be installed on existing vehicles in just a couple of days. The system allows engines to seamlessly switch between traditional diesel and low-emission renewable fuels, giving fleet operators flexibility without operational risk. 

The company is already ma