HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) has already been used as a fuel for vehicles in some countries. HVO is a renewable diesel fuel that is made by treating vegetable oil with hydrogen, which results in a high-quality, low-emission fuel that can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.

In Europe, HVO has been approved for use in diesel vehicles since 2011, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable fuel option. In addition, some truck and bus manufacturers are now offering HVO-compatible engines, and some cities and municipalities are using HVO in their public transport fleets.

In other parts of the world, HVO is also being explored as a potential fuel for vehicles. However, the widespread adoption of HVO as a vehicle fuel will depend on factors such as availability, price, and government policies promoting the use of renewable fuels.

How can HVO replace diesel?

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) can replace diesel as a fuel in diesel engines because it has similar properties to diesel and can be used in existing diesel engines without modification. The hydrotreating process removes impurities and saturates the oil, resulting in a high-quality, low-emission fuel that can be used in diesel engines.

One of the main advantages of HVO over traditional diesel is that it is a renewable fuel made from a sustainable resource, namely vegetable oil. This makes it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Additionally, HVO has a higher cetane number than diesel, which means it burns more efficiently and produces fewer emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

From a practical standpoint, using HVO as a replacement for diesel requires no major modifications to the engines or fuel systems in vehicles. This means that existing diesel vehicles can be fuelled with HVO without requiring any costly retrofitting or upgrades. As a result, HVO has the potential to be a relatively easy and cost-effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of diesel-powered vehicles.