Biodiesel vs HVO what is best for your business
I’m Rachel Pearson, a Key Account Manager and FORS Advanced Practitioner at Fleetmaxx Solutions in Whitstable. Recently, a client asked me to put together a presentation comparing HVO and biodiesel, and I realized it could be helpful to share with others in the industry. So, here’s a breakdown of the key differences between HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and biodiesel to help you decide which might be best for your fleet.
What is HVO Fuel?
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- Stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.
- Made through hydroprocessing of renewable feedstocks like vegetable oils or animal fats.
- Chemically similar to fossil diesel, offering a drop-in replacement.
- Significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel.
What is Biodiesel?
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- Derived from used cooking oil, food waste, and animal fats.
- A second-generation biofuel and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
- Typically blended with fossil diesel (e.g., B7 blend with up to 7% biodiesel).
- Higher biodiesel content in blends leads to greater CO₂ emissions reduction.
- Blends over 10% biodiesel are called High Blend Fuel, combining biodiesel with fossil diesel.
The differences – Biodiesel vs HVO
Feedstock & production process
- HVO fuel: HVO is made from vegetable oils or animal fats through a process called hydrogenation, which makes it chemically similar to fossil diesel.
- Biodiesel: Produced from renewable sources like vegetable oil, used cooking oil, and animal fats via transesterification, converting oils and fats into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).
Compatibility with diesel engines
- HVO fuel: Can be used as a direct replacement for fossil diesel in all diesel engines without any modifications.
- Biodiesel: Typically used in blends like B5 or B20. Higher concentrations (like B100) may require engine modifications.
Environmental impact
- HVO fuel: Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel and produces fewer particulates and NOx emissions.
- Biodiesel: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 50-80%, but can produce more NOx emissions compared to HVO.
Cold weather performance
- HVO fuel: Performs well in cold weather with excellent cold flow properties, reducing the risk of fuel gelling.
- Biodiesel: More prone to gelling in cold weather, especially at higher concentrations.
Energy content
- HVO fuel: Has a higher energy content than biodiesel, offering better fuel economy and efficiency.
- Biodiesel: Slightly lower energy content, which can lead to reduced fuel economy.
Fuel stability & storage
- HVO fuel: Has excellent storage stability and is less likely to degrade over time.
- Biodiesel: Prone to oxidation and degradation if stored for long periods, especially at higher concentrations.
Sustainability
- HVO fuel: Strong sustainability profile, especially when made from waste oils or animal fats.
- Biodiesel: Also sustainable, but the environmental impact varies depending on the feedstock, with some concerns over land use when food-based crops are used.
Cost & availability
- HVO fuel: Generally more expensive due to the hydrogenation process but becoming more available.
- Biodiesel: Cheaper and widely available, particularly in blends like B5 and B20.
Conclusion: Biodiesel vs HVO, which is better?
- HVO: Ideal for those who need better cold-weather performance, higher CO2 reduction, and a direct replacement for fossil diesel.
- Biodiesel: Better for those seeking a cost-effective, readily available fuel, especially in blends like B5 or B20.
If you’d like to dive deeper into this comparison, feel free to download the full presentation here. I hope this breakdown helps you make an informed decision for your fleet’s fuel needs.
