Drop‑in HVO100 Diesel Fuel Cuts CO₂ Emissions by 90% – Could It Save Diesel Cars?
Bottom line: Renewable diesel HVO100 can reduce the life‑cycle CO₂ output of a diesel car by up to 90 % and it works in existing engines without any modifications.
Drop‑in HVO100 Diesel Fuel Cuts CO₂ Emissions by 90% – Could It Save Diesel Cars?
Image: Drop‑in HVO100 Diesel Fuel Cuts CO₂ Emissions by 90% – Could It Save Diesel Cars? – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Compatibility
‘Drop‑in’ fuels are so called because they can be poured straight into the tank of a diesel vehicle, just like regular diesel. No new hardware, no software updates – the engine sees the same chemistry as fossil diesel, only the carbon comes from plants or waste. The most talked‑about drop‑in fuel is HVO100 (hydrogenated vegetable oil). It is a hydrocarbon, not a fatty‑acid ester like biodiesel, so it fits the strict fuel‑system tolerances of modern Euro‑5 and Euro‑6 diesel engines.
Major manufacturers have already signed off on it. Stellantis confirmed last year that all its diesel engines meet HVO100 standards. BMW now fills every diesel it builds in Germany with 5‑8 L of HVO100 before delivery, and it has approved all diesel passenger cars built from March 2020 for this fuel.
Performance & Mileage
From a driver’s perspective, HVO100 behaves like regular diesel. Power, torque and fuel‑economy numbers stay the same, which means you won’t notice a loss in mileage. The real gain is in the well‑to‑wheel emissions: the production chain of HVO100 (from renewable feedstock to the pump) cuts CO₂ by about 90 % compared with conventional diesel.
Because the fuel burns cleanly, it also reduces particulates and NOx, giving a slight boost to exhaust‑system life. Fleet operators who switch a portion of their fuel to HVO100 can improve their carbon reporting without buying new vehicles.
Price & Rivals
Renewable diesel is currently more expensive than fossil diesel, but the price gap is narrowing as production scales up. Finnish producer Neste MY, which supplies BMW, is one of the world’s largest HVO manufacturers and is investing heavily to bring costs down.
Compared with biodiesel (FAME), HVO100 offers better engine compatibility and can be used at 100 % concentration. That makes it a stronger rival for diesel owners who want a low‑carbon solution without changing to electric or hybrid powertrains.
Quick Reference Table
| Engine | Mileage | Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stellantis 2.0 L Turbo Diesel | 55 mpg (combined) | £30,000 |
|
| BMW B47 2.0 L Diesel | 58 mpg (combined) | £33,500 |
|
FAQ
What is the CO₂ reduction when using HVO100?
Well‑to‑wheel analyses show about a 90 % drop in CO₂ compared with traditional fossil diesel.
Can I use HVO100 in any diesel car?
Most modern Euro‑5 and Euro‑6 diesels are compatible, but check the manufacturer’s list for older models.
Is HVO100 more expensive than regular diesel?
Yes, today it costs a bit more, but the price gap is closing as production grows.
Do you think HVO100 could be the bridge to a cleaner fleet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
