San Francisco, California — ClearFlame Technologies announced today that it has sealed partnerships with engine manufacturer Reviva and installer Vander Haag to roll out a retrofit kit that removes diesel from the fuel equation of heavy‑duty trucks.

The move comes as the trucking sector wrestles with an erratic oil market and soaring diesel prices that have left many fleets searching for more stable, lower‑cost fuels. While battery‑electric rigs and hydrogen fuel‑cells dominate headlines, long‑haul operators still need the range and power of conventional powertrains. ClearFlame’s approach promises to keep diesel‑engine performance while swapping the carbon‑heavy fuel for renewable alternatives.

Founded by Stanford alumni BJ Johnson and Julie Blumreiter, ClearFlame’s system strips roughly ten to fifteen percent of a standard diesel engine’s components and replaces them with a modular block that can run on ethanol, methanol or other natural gases. The company began field demonstrations in June 2023 and says early driver feedback has been positive. A target EPA certification is slated for later this year, which would clear the way for commercial installations in 2024. Johnson says the goal is to give OEMs a clear market signal that “decarbonized fuels are a pathway to a sustainable future.”

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators could see a shift in fueling stations, with ethanol pumps appearing at more truck stops along major corridors. Because the retrofit maintains existing torque curves, OTR truck drivers won’t need to relearn shift points or worry about reduced haul capacity. Fleet managers anticipate lower fuel‑cost volatility, since ethanol prices historically track agricultural markets rather than crude oil. Moreover, the technology promises to meet FMCSA emissions standards without the premium price tag that often accompanies alternative‑fuel trucks.

Industry Reaction

While the broader industry has been buzzing about electric semis, many carriers remain skeptical about battery range and charging infrastructure. ClearFlame’s announcement has been met with cautious optimism from independent owner‑operators who cite the need for a “green premium‑free” solution. Trade groups note that a viable ethanol‑powered engine could give fleets a transitional option while the charging network matures. Analysts predict that if EPA clearance arrives on schedule, trucking companies hiring now may add the retrofit to upcoming purchase orders, positioning themselves ahead of regulatory curves.

Key Points

• ClearFlame partners with Reviva (engine maker) and Vander Haag (installer) to retrofit diesel engines.
• Retrofit replaces 10‑15% of engine parts, enabling ethanol, methanol or natural‑gas operation.
• Demonstrations started June 2023; EPA approval targeted for 2023 with commercial rollout in 2024.
• Technology aims to keep diesel‑engine performance while cutting emissions and fuel‑cost volatility.

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