As the UK fleet sector navigates the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives, many businesses, especially those running HGVs, are asking: What’s the right fuel strategy for right now? While electric vehicles (EVs) and even hydrogen fuel cells are the long-term goal, the reality is that many HGV fleets still rely on diesel and will for years to come. That’s where HVO fuel comes in.
What is HVO Fuel?
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel alternative made from waste fats and vegetable oils. Unlike traditional biodiesel (FAME), HVO is a second-generation biofuel that’s chemically refined to make it similar to fossil diesel but without the fossil origin.
HVO is composed primarily of paraffinic hydrocarbons, making it a drop-in replacement for standard diesel. It meets EN 15940 and ASTM D975 standards, meaning it can be used in most modern diesel engines without modification.
HVO is already approved by major engine manufacturers like Scania, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and DAF, and is certified to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to standard diesel.
Why is HVO more sustainable than diesel?
1. Fossil-Free & Waste-Based
HVO is made from 100% renewable feedstocks, often derived from waste products like:
Used cooking oil.
Animal fats.
Residual vegetable oils.
This means it doesn’t rely on fossil extraction and often repurposes waste that would otherwise be discarded.
2. Lower lifecycle emissions
HVO can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to standard diesel.
While tailpipe CO₂ emissions are similar, the overall carbon footprint is significantly lower because the carbon released was originally absorbed by the plants used to make the fuel.
3. Cleaner Combustion
HVO contains no sulphur or aromatics, and burns more cleanly than fossil diesel. This results in:
Lower NOx and particulate emissions.
Reduced engine deposits.
Improved air quality is especially important in urban environments.
4. No Infrastructure Changes
Because HVO is chemically similar to diesel, it can:
Be stored in the same tanks.
Use the same fuel cards and pumps.
Run in the same engines.
This makes it an effective transition fuel for fleets not yet ready to go fully electric.
Why HVO matters for HGV fleets
For fleets that rely on diesel vehicles, especially HGVs and long-haul transport, HVO offers a practical, immediate way to reduce emissions without the cost and complexity of switching to EVs. It’s particularly useful for:
Mixed fleets transitioning gradually to electric
Remote or rural operations where EV charging is limited
Backup generators and off-road equipment
HVO offers a low-disruption, high-impact way to cut emissions:
Drop-in ready: No need to retrofit vehicles or change infrastructure.
Cleaner combustion: Lower NOx and particulate emissions improve air quality.
Cold weather performance: Superior to biodiesel, with excellent cold-start reliability.
Sustainable sourcing: Produced from waste products, not crops, avoiding food chain disruption.
In short, HVO is a practical stepping stone for fleets that want to reduce emissions now—without waiting for EV infrastructure to catch up.
HVO vs. EV: Complementary, not competing
While EVs are the future, they’re not yet a one-size-fits-all solution. Challenges like charging infrastructure, vehicle availability, and range limitations, especially for HGVs, mean that many fleets are adopting a blended strategy.
That’s why the UK government is investing £200 million to support zero-emission HGV trials and infrastructure. But until that ecosystem matures, HVO provides a bridge solution, especially for long-haul, rural, or heavy-duty operations.
How Right Fuel Card supports your transition
At Right Fuel Card, we’re committed to helping fleets take control of their fuel strategy, whether that’s diesel, HVO, or electric. Through our fuel card partnerships, we offer access to discounted fuel, including HVO-compatible sites.
And for fleets exploring electrification, our Rightcharge partnership supports:
· Home charging reimbursement.
· Public charging access.
· Driver education and transition planning.
Whether you’re running ICE, hybrid, EV, or a mix, we help you manage it all in one place.
Final thoughts
HVO isn’t just a “green” alternative; it’s a business-ready solution. For fleets that want to reduce emissions, meet sustainability targets, and maintain operational flexibility, HVO is a smart move.
And with Right Fuel Card, you don’t have to choose between today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals. We’re here to help you fuel the future, your way.
