Penske Truck Leasing and Shell Oil U.S. are expanding the use of renewable diesel in California.
"Renewable diesel provides a realistic pathway for fleets to reduce emissions from well to wheel as the industry continues to decarbonize," says Josh Tippin, the vice president of energy and fuel supply at Penske Transportation Solutions. "Collaborators like Shell are essential in supporting our fleet sustainability efforts by securing and supplying lower-carbon fuel sources such as renewable diesel and collaborating with us on other carbon reduction initiatives."
All vehicles refueling at Penske's 32 California locations with fuel islands are receiving renewable diesel. Penske plans to expand the use of renewable diesel in other markets as supply increases and as carbon compensation programs become more widely available.
The California Energy Commission and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration says about 3 billion gallons of diesel fuel are sold annually in the state. Only about a third of those are sold as renewable diesel.
Penske found that renewable diesel has no adverse effects on vehicles or their operation. The company reported reduced maintenance-related issues and lower overall emissions and cleaner fuel when compared with traditional ultra-low sulfur diesel. Shell's renewable diesel is compatible with all diesel engines and has a higher cetane level.
Penske and Shell are working together for sustainable solutions across operations. Penske is installing about 100 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers in six states in collaboration with Shell Recharge Solutions to support a growing fleet of light-duty electric rental trucks.
