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Complex topics related to the bus and mobility industry—explained simply: Whether it’s technical terminology, industry trends, or service models, this article focuses on HVO diesel, what it entails, and the role it plays in an increasingly sustainable mobility landscape. We’ll explore the opportunities and limitations this alternative fuel already presents today.
HVO diesel, also known as HVO100, is a renewable diesel fuel produced by the hydrogenation of vegetable and animal oils. HVO100 refers to pure paraffinic diesel fuel without any fossil fuel blend. According to official descriptions from Neste and the German Federal Environment Agency, it is chemically comparable to fossil diesel but is produced from renewable sources and meets the EN 15940 standard for paraffinic diesel. Compared to fossil fuel blends, HVO offers greater sustainability.
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Environmentally friendly raw materials are used to produce HVO, including used cooking oils, animal fats, food industry byproducts, and certain vegetable oils. Waste and byproducts are used in particular, as they are no longer needed and help improve the environmental footprint.
Before the oils are processed further, they must be purified. This involves removing water, dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants. This purification process protects machinery and filters and ensures high fuel quality.
In this step, the purified oils are mixed with hydrogen under high pressure and at high temperatures. This process removes oxygen and other undesirable components. The oils are converted into stable molecules similar to diesel.
To ensure that the fuel remains reliable even in cold weather and is suitable for various engines, it undergoes further refinement. During isomerization, the molecules are altered so that the fuel remains liquid at low temperatures. During hydrocracking, the molecules can also be broken down into shorter components if this improves the fuel’s quality.
Finally, the fuel is adjusted to meet the European standard EN 15940. Only then can it be sold as HVO100. HVO100 can be used in modern diesel engines without any modifications.
Whether a vehicle is suitable for HVO100 depends on the manufacturer’s specifications and the EN 15940 standard. Many modern diesel vehicles, including numerous vans, trucks, and buses, already have the necessary approvals and can use the renewable fuel without any technical modifications. Manufacturers’ decisions are based on extensive testing designed to ensure that engine performance, emissions levels, and material compatibility are maintained during normal operation.
For users, the published approval list from vehicle manufacturers serves as a valuable guide. It provides a quick overview of which models officially support the use of HVO100 and where restrictions may apply. It’s also worth consulting the owner’s manual, as many manufacturers provide specific instructions there regarding the use of paraffinic fuels.
Key point: Many newer diesel vehicles—especially models from the mid-2010s onward—already support HVO100. Nevertheless, always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
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HVO diesel offers a number of technical and environmental advantages, but it also has limitations. The following overview provides a direct comparison of the key points.
HVO diesel thus offers many practical advantages, but it is not a universal substitute—its effectiveness depends heavily on the intended use, the source of the raw materials, and the vehicle’s technical compatibility.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower local emissions: Less particulate matter, CO, and HC—depending on the engine and exhaust aftertreatment system. | Higher prices than fossil diesel; produced using more complex processes and more sustainable raw materials. |
| 2 | A potentially significantly lower CO₂ footprint when using sustainable raw materials (e.g., waste and residual materials). | NOx emissions (nitrogen oxides) may be slightly higher depending on the engine, especially in older engines or those with suboptimal engine control systems. |
| 3 | High cetane number & good combustion result in smoother, more consistent ignition and better cold-start performance. | Limited network of gas stations in Germany; not yet available nationwide. |
| 4 | Excellent storage stability and cold resistance. A stable fuel that remains reliable even at low temperatures. | Environmental impact depends heavily on the origin of raw materials. Sustainability can only be achieved if there is no competition with food production. |
HVO Diesel ist in Deutschland derzeit noch teurer als fossiler Diesel. Das liegt vor allem daran, dass die Produktion aufwendig ist, weil moderne Anlagen benötigt werden und der Einsatz von Wasserstoff kostspielig ist. Zusätzlich sind geeignete Rohstoffe – wie gebrauchte Speiseöle oder tierische Fette – nur begrenzt verfügbar, was den Preis weiter erhöht. Da der Markt für HVO noch relativ klein ist, können Hersteller außerdem weniger von Skaleneffekten profitieren, was die Kosten ebenfalls in die Höhe treibt.
HVO diesel is currently even more expensive than fossil diesel in Germany. This is primarily because production is complex—it requires modern facilities, and the use of hydrogen is costly. In addition, suitable raw materials—such as used cooking oils or animal fats—are in limited supply, which further drives up the price. Since the market for HVO is still relatively small, manufacturers are also less able to benefit from economies of scale, which further drives up costs.
The network of gas stations offering HVO100 is also still under development. The fuel is currently available only at select stations, such as certain locations operated by Hoyer or Sprint. Although the number of gas stations is growing steadily, coverage is not yet nationwide. Depending on the region, it can therefore be more or less easy to find HVO100. In some cities, the fuel is already widely available, while in rural areas there are sometimes no retail locations at all. As a result, many users have to travel longer distances or first check whether a nearby gas station carries HVO100.
Anyone who wants to find out where HVO100 is available in their area can use the interactive map from eFuelsNow. There, you can quickly see which gas stations already offer the fuel and how the network is expanding.
Fossil Diesel | Biodiesel | HVO Diesel | |
Origin | Crude oil | Vegetable oil | Hydrogenated Oils/Fats |
Engine Compatibility | Very high | Depending on the engine | Very good upon approval |
Environmental Impact | High levels of CO₂ and pollutants | in some cases, higher NOx levels | Depending on the raw material, it usually has a better carbon footprint |
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If your vehicle is approved for paraffinic diesel in accordance with EN 15940, there is no risk according to the manufacturer’s specifications. However, without such approval, undesirable effects may occur. Therefore, always check the manufacturer’s approval.
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