Chicago Startup Pioneers Ethanol-Powered Trucks Over Battery Electric

Blumreiter and Johnson, the co-founders of ClearFlame Engine Technologies, are dedicated to transforming engine technology with a versatile and eco-friendly approach. Their innovation enables trucks, generators, and various other motorized systems to operate using low-emission fuels such as ethanol, methanol, or liquid ammonia. While it's essential to note that these fuels aren't entirely emissions-free, research has indicated that pure ethanol, in particular, boasts life cycle greenhouse gas emissions that are approximately 40% to 50% lower than those associated with traditional petroleum-based fuels.

Johnson and Blumreiter make a compelling case for the necessity of alternative fuels. They contend that the process of electrifying the trucking industry in the United States, not to mention in other nations, will span many years. This extended transition period necessitates the development of an affordable, low-emission diesel-like engine capable of running on a variety of fuels. Such an innovation could prove instrumental in significantly reducing emissions within the transportation sector. Their vision has not gone unnoticed, as the U.S. Department of Energy, industry leaders, and major investors have all expressed interest and support for their endeavors.

In 2017, Johnson and Blumreiter were among the inaugural participants in Argonne National Laboratory's Chain Reaction Innovations fellowship program. This prestigious program provided them with invaluable mentorship, along with access to Argonne's cutting-edge emissions testing equipment and other essential resources. To further their mission, they relocated to the Chicago area, where ClearFlame Engine Technologies has since been headquartered. The company has demonstrated remarkable progress, raising nearly $50 million in series A and B funding rounds, employing around 50 individuals, and initiating pilot projects in collaboration with prominent corporations.

John Wall, former chief technology officer for the global engine manufacturing giant Cummins, has been a long-standing advisor to the ClearFlame team since their time at Stanford. Wall believes that ClearFlame's ethanol-powered truck technology, which they have been tirelessly developing, offers a critical "bridge" towards achieving zero-emissions transportation. He acknowledges the fallacy of an exclusive focus on battery electric solutions, stating, "Too many people want to say everything will be battery electric, let's forget about anything else."

With an extensive background in diesel research for Chevron, Wall offers a more nuanced perspective. He maintains that while battery electric solutions hold great promise for certain applications, long-haul trucking and power generation present unique challenges. In such cases, embracing 40% emissions reductions right now through innovative technologies like ClearFlame's can significantly contribute to a more sustainable future without waiting for the perfect, fully emissions-free solution.

Johnson and Blumreiter emphasize that their technology isn't limited to highly industrialized regions. It is particularly well-suited for developing countries where the electrification of transportation may not be on the immediate horizon. These regions often possess ample feedstock for producing ethanol, such as corn or sugar cane, making this fuel source not only readily available but also potentially more affordable than diesel in some markets.