HVO vs HVO100: What is the difference and which is right for your fleet?
HVO100 vs HVO guide by Stephen Buckley, Sales Manager, Fleetmaxx Solutions – Burnley
Hi, Stephen here from Fleetmaxx Solutions in Burnley.
If you have been researching ways to reduce your fleet’s carbon footprint, you have probably come across the terms HVO and HVO100. They are often used interchangeably, which can make things a little confusing.
Are they the same fuel? Is HVO100 better than HVO? Can you use it in an existing diesel vehicle? Let me explain the difference in plain English.
What is HVO?
HVO stands for hydrotreated vegetable oil. It is a renewable paraffinic diesel produced from renewable raw materials, such as waste fats and used cooking oils.
These materials undergo a hydrotreatment process that removes impurities and creates a high-quality fuel with properties similar to conventional diesel.
Unlike biodiesel, HVO does not contain fatty acid methyl ester. It is generally more stable during storage and performs more like conventional diesel, making it an attractive option for many commercial fleets.
The term HVO describes the type of fuel. However, it does not always tell you whether the product is pure HVO or whether HVO has been blended with conventional diesel.
What is HVO100?
HVO100 is the unblended form of HVO renewable diesel.
The “100” indicates that the fuel consists almost entirely of HVO rather than being a mixture of HVO and conventional fossil diesel. Small quantities of approved performance additives may still be included in the finished product.
HVO100 typically meets the EN 15940 standard for paraffinic diesel fuel.
Put simply:
- HVO is the general name for the renewable diesel fuel
- HVO100 refers specifically to HVO supplied without conventional diesel blended into it
You may also see HVO100 described as renewable diesel or paraffinic diesel.
Is HVO always blended with conventional diesel?
No. This is where some of the confusion comes from.
The term HVO can refer to the fuel itself, whether it is being used on its own or included as part of a blend. Therefore, a supplier advertising HVO may be offering HVO100, but it is always worth checking the product specification.
If you want the unblended renewable diesel product, ask your supplier to confirm that it is HVO100 and that it meets the appropriate fuel standard.
What is Shell Renewable Diesel?
Shell Renewable Diesel is Shell’s HVO100 fuel.
It provides Shell Card customers with another option for reducing the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with suitable diesel vehicles.
Shell Renewable Diesel is becoming available at selected service stations across the Shell network, allowing eligible Shell Card customers to access HVO100 while they are out on the road.
Availability varies by location, so it is important to check that Shell Renewable Diesel is offered at the station before planning your journey.
Can HVO100 be used instead of diesel?
HVO100 can be used as a direct alternative to conventional diesel in many compatible vehicles and engines. In many cases, the switch does not require changes to the vehicle, fuel tank or refuelling process.
However, this does not mean that every diesel vehicle is automatically approved to use it.
Before changing fuel, check the vehicle handbook or contact the vehicle or engine manufacturer. Look for approval to use EN 15940 paraffinic diesel, which may also be identified by the XTL fuel label.
This is particularly important for leased vehicles, vehicles under warranty and specialist equipment.
What are the benefits of HVO100?
The main reason fleets are considering HVO100 is its potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional fossil diesel.
Depending on the fuel’s raw materials, production process and supply chain, HVO100 can provide a substantial lifecycle emissions reduction. The precise saving can vary, so businesses should use the sustainability documentation supplied with their fuel when calculating and reporting emissions.
Other potential benefits include:
- It can be used in many existing diesel vehicles with manufacturer approval
- It can help businesses work towards sustainability and carbon-reduction targets
- It offers a practical option where electric vehicles are not yet operationally suitable
- It can be stored and handled in a similar way to conventional diesel
- It performs well in cold conditions
- It has good storage stability
- It can be introduced without immediately replacing an entire fleet
For HGV operators, construction companies and businesses running specialist vehicles or machinery, that flexibility can make HVO100 a particularly useful transition fuel.
Is HVO100 completely carbon-free?
No. HVO100 should not be described as carbon-free or zero-emission fuel.
Carbon dioxide is still released when the fuel is burned. Its environmental benefit comes from its lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, depending on how its raw materials are sourced and how the fuel is produced and transported.
That distinction is important, especially when making environmental claims or reporting your organisation’s emissions.
Can you mix HVO100 with conventional diesel?
HVO100 is generally miscible with conventional diesel, meaning the two fuels can mix in a vehicle’s tank.
This can make transitioning between fuels more straightforward for compatible vehicles. However, mixing HVO100 with fossil diesel reduces the renewable content and therefore changes the potential lifecycle emissions saving.
You should still confirm manufacturer approval and follow any fuel-management guidance relevant to your vehicles, equipment and storage tanks.
Where can Fleetmaxx customers purchase HVO?
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we can help businesses access HVO in several different ways.
Bulk HVO deliveries
If your business operates from its own depot or uses a significant volume of fuel, we can arrange bulk HVO supplies.
Bulk delivery can provide a convenient way to refuel vehicles, machinery and equipment on site while giving your business greater control over fuel availability and consumption.
We can discuss your expected usage, storage arrangements and delivery requirements to help you find a suitable solution.
HVO through the UK Fuels network
Our UK Fuels Card customers can purchase HVO at selected participating sites on the network.
This gives drivers the flexibility to access renewable diesel while travelling, without your business needing to install its own storage tank.
HVO through the HGV MAXX network
Our HGV MAXX customers can also access HVO at selected filling stations.
The HGV MAXX Fuel Card is designed around the needs of commercial vehicle operators, providing access to an extensive network of HGV-friendly locations. HVO availability depends on the individual site, so drivers should check before travelling.
Shell Renewable Diesel with a Shell Card
Our Shell Card customers can now enjoy the benefits of Shell Renewable Diesel, Shell’s HVO100 fuel, at selected Shell service stations.
This is an exciting development for businesses that want to introduce a renewable fuel into suitable parts of their fleet while continuing to use the familiar Shell network.
Is HVO100 right for your business?
HVO100 will not be the perfect answer for every business, but it can provide a practical route towards lower-carbon fleet operations.
It could be particularly valuable if:
- You need to reduce lifecycle fleet emissions without replacing vehicles immediately
- Electric vehicles are not currently practical for your routes, payloads or operating patterns
- You operate HGVs, plant, generators or specialist diesel equipment
- Your customers or contracts require evidence of environmental improvements
- You want to trial renewable fuel with a small number of vehicles before making a wider commitment
The important thing is to check vehicle compatibility, understand the source and specification of the fuel and choose a supply option that works for your operation.
Let us help you explore your HVO and HVO100 options
Whether you need bulk HVO delivered to your premises or want to access HVO through a UK Fuels Card, HGV MAXX Fuel Card or Shell Card, the Fleetmaxx Solutions team can help.
We will look at your vehicles, routes, fuel consumption and operational requirements before talking you through the available options. There is no complicated jargon and no pressure, just honest advice to help you decide whether HVO or HVO100 is right for your fleet.
If you would like to learn more about HVO100 prices, bulk HVO deliveries or fuel card access at participating sites, please get in touch with Fleetmaxx Solutions.
P.S. You might also be interested in reading our guide to the difference between biodiesel and HVO, where we explain how the two renewable fuels compare and what fleet operators need to know.
Examples from our range of HVO fuel tanks
EasyCube Global
TransCube Standby
EnviroCube Bulk Fuel Storage Tank
