What is HVO diesel?
HVO diesel, also known as HVO100, is a renewable diesel fuel produced by hydrogenating vegetable and animal oils. HVO100 refers to pure paraffinic diesel fuel without any fossil fuel admixture. According to the official descriptions by Neste and the US Environmental Protection Agency, it is chemically comparable to fossil diesel, but is produced from renewable sources and meets the EN 15940 standard. EN 15940 for paraffinic diesel.
How is HVO produced?
Selection of suitable raw materials
Pre-treatment and cleaning of raw materials
hydrogenation
Isomerization and/or hydrocracking
Final processing into finished fuel
Is my vehicle suitable for HVO diesel?
Whether a vehicle is suitable for HVO100 depends on the respective manufacturer's specifications and the EN 15940 standard. EN 15940. 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. The manufacturers' decision is based on extensive testing to ensure that engine performance, exhaust emissions, and material compatibility are maintained during regular operation.
The published approval list from vehicle manufacturers provides valuable guidance for users. It provides a quick overview of which models officially support the use of HVO100 and where restrictions may apply. It is also worth taking a look at the operating instructions, as many manufacturers provide specific information on the use of paraffinic fuels there.
Note: Many newer diesel vehicles—especially models from the mid-2010s onwards—already support HVO100. Nevertheless, always check the manufacturer's specifications.
Advantages and disadvantages of HVO100
HVO diesel offers a number of technical and environmental advantages, but it also has limitations. The following overview shows the most important points in a direct comparison.
benefits | 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 | Potentially significantly lower carbon 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 engines with non-optimized engine control.
|
3 | High cetane number & good combustion
Leads to smoother, more consistent ignition and better cold start performance. | Limited network of filling stations in Germany
Not yet available nationwide. |
4 | Excellent storage stability and cold resistance
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 therefore offers many practical advantages, but it is not a universal substitute—its effectiveness depends heavily on the intended use, the origin of the raw materials, and the technical compatibility of the vehicle.
How does HVO100 differ from diesel?
HVO diesel is currently even more expensive than fossil diesel in Germany. This is mainly because production is complex, requiring modern facilities and the use of hydrogen, which is costly. In addition, suitable raw materials—such as used cooking oils or animal fats—are only available in limited quantities, which further increases the price. Since the market for HVO is still relatively small, manufacturers are also less able to benefit from economies of scale, which also drives up costs.
The HVO100 fuel station network is also still under development. The fuel is currently only available at selected stations, for example at individual locations of Hoyer or Sprint. Although the number of filling stations is growing steadily, supply is not yet nationwide. Depending on the region, it can therefore be more or less difficult to obtain HVO100. In some cities, the fuel is already widely available, while in rural areas there are still no sales outlets at all in some cases. As a result, many users have to travel longer distances or first find out whether a gas station nearby stocks HVO100.
If you want to find out where HVO100 is available in your area, you can use the interactive map from eFuelsNow . There you can quickly see which gas stations already offer the fuel and how the network is developing.
Fossil diesel | biodiesel | HVO diesel | |
|---|---|---|---|
origin | petroleum | vegetable oil | Hydrogenated oils/fats |
engine compatibility | Very high | depending on the engine | Very good upon approval |
environmental impact | high CO₂ and pollutant levels | partly higher NOx values | Depending on the raw material, usually better climate balance |
Conclusion
HVO diesel is a renewable diesel fuel made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste oils. It is very similar to fossil diesel in technical terms and, depending on the raw material, can offer a significantly better carbon footprint.
Use depends on manufacturer approval in accordance with EN 15940. Many newer diesel models are already approved. If in doubt, always check the official manufacturer's specifications or approval lists.
HVO offers lower local emissions, potentially less CO₂, and good combustion properties. Disadvantages: higher price, limited filling station network, and sustainability that depends on the raw material base.
HVO is produced from renewable raw materials, while fossil diesel is produced from petroleum. Both are largely compatible from a technical standpoint, but HVO scores points for its stable combustion properties and better environmental balance—depending on the feedstock used.
FAQ
Can HVO diesel damage my engine?
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 approval, undesirable effects may occur. Therefore, always check the manufacturer's approval.
Can I mix HVO diesel and regular diesel?
Yes. HVO100 is fully miscible with fossil diesel, as the fuels are chemically compatible. You can mix any level.
How much CO₂ can I save with HVO100?
CO₂ savings depend primarily on the raw materials used. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the use of waste and residual materials can significantly improve the life cycle.
Is HVO better than biodiesel?
The two fuels differ significantly: According to the Federal Environment Agency , biodiesel (FAME) can cause higher NOx emissions, while HVO100 also showed increased NOx values in some DUH measurements. The climate balance of HVO can be better – depending on the raw materials.
Will fossil diesel soon be a thing of the past?
No end date has been set for fossil diesel – according to the Federal Ministry of Transport , however, the share of renewable fuels is to be significantly expanded.
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