Center for Transportation Research and Education

About the research

The objective of this project is to conduct an independent evaluation of the impact of biodiesel on fuel economy and carbon reduction in the Iowa DOT snowplow fleet. This includes an evaluation of fuel economy, maintenance, and driver/maintenance personnel concerns.

The team will coordinate with the Iowa DOT and monitor snowplow operations. Fuel use and snowplow maintenance using varying levels of both biodiesel and regular diesel will be monitored.

The following tasks will be carried out in the Phase II research:

• Track fuel economy and maintenance through maintenance records for 2023/2024 winter season
• Summarize fuel economy and maintenance impacts overall
• Survey operators to identify barriers to adoption
• Develop tool for agencies to estimate fuel savings, carbon reduction, and costs when considering the use of biodiesel in snowplows and maintenance equipment
• Provide recommendations to overcome barriers to adoption
• Outreach and implementation activities such as a workshop for local agencies