Peaslee Tech Acquires Biodiesel Training Truck
The school receives a grant to use a Volvo VNR truck equipped with B100 fuel technology for student training.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Trucks
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Peaslee Tech has secured a grant to acquire a Volvo VNR truck outfitted with an Optimus Technologies Vector System. The vehicle will serve as a hands-on training platform to teach students about heavy-duty diesel engines operating on 100% biodiesel.
Why it matters
This project aims to prepare the next generation of technicians for a changing transportation sector by bridging Kansas soybean production with commercial fuel technology. It provides students with specialized skills in maintaining and diagnosing sustainable heavy-duty vehicle systems.
The truck features an Optimus Technologies Vector System capable of running on 100% biodiesel. This fuel is derived from regional feedstocks, including locally grown soybean oil.
The players
Peaslee Tech
A technical training institution located in Lawrence that provides vocational education and skill development for various industries.
Optimus Technologies
A clean energy company that manufactures the Vector System, a technology enabling diesel engines to run on 100% biodiesel.
Kansas Soybean Commission
An organization that supports soybean producers in Kansas through research, market development, and educational partnerships.
The details
The program is a collaborative effort involving Peaslee Tech, the KU Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, and the Kansas Soybean Commission. Students will utilize the truck to gain practical experience in vehicle operation, fuel system diagnostics, and routine maintenance.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Announcement of the grant acquisition.
Roadmap
This vehicle training initiative aligns with the automotive industry's push to diversify fuel sources for heavy-duty freight. It positions students to enter the workforce with skills specific to the adoption of renewable energy systems in commercial trucking.
Local students will gain direct access to advanced fuel system technologies, improving their job readiness in the regional mechanical labor market. The program also highlights the practical use of Kansas-grown soy in commercial transport applications.
The takeaway
Advancements in biodiesel technology are increasingly requiring specialized training for modern diesel technicians. Students and local mechanics can benefit from focusing on sustainable fuel system diagnostics to remain competitive in the evolving transport industry.
Further reading
For more information on regional vehicle training programs, visit the Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biofuelsdigest.
Live Poll
Do you support replacing traditional diesel fuel with renewable biodiesel for heavy-duty trucking fleets?
