Can Your Business Switch From Diesel to HVO? What Commercial Operators Need to Know

As businesses look for practical ways to reduce the carbon impact of their operations, HVO fuel is becoming an increasingly important alternative to conventional diesel.

For commercial operators, the attraction is straightforward: HVO can be used in many existing diesel-powered vehicles, plant and equipment without requiring a completely new fleet.

But is HVO suitable for your business?

The answer depends on the vehicles, machinery and equipment you operate and, importantly, whether the manufacturer has approved the use of HVO.

Here's what commercial operators need to know before making the switch.

What is HVO?

HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil.

Despite its name, HVO is not simply traditional vegetable oil. It is a renewable diesel fuel produced by processing renewable feedstocks through a hydrotreatment process.

HVO is chemically different from conventional fossil diesel but is designed to provide similar performance characteristics.

It can therefore be used in a wide range of diesel-powered applications where the manufacturer has approved the fuel.

Can HVO be used in commercial vehicles?

Potentially, yes.

One of the major advantages of HVO for businesses is that it can often be introduced into existing diesel fleets rather than requiring an immediate replacement of vehicles.

However, businesses should always check the manufacturer's approval for each vehicle or piece of equipment before switching fuel.

This is particularly important for mixed fleets where vehicles may have different engines, ages and manufacturer specifications.

If you're unsure, your vehicle manufacturer's documentation or authorised dealer should be your first point of reference.

What about plant and machinery?

HVO isn't just relevant to road vehicles.

It can also be suitable for certain diesel-powered:

• Construction equipment

• Agricultural machinery

• Generators

• Plant equipment

• Forklift trucks

• Commercial vehicles

• Off-road machinery

Again, manufacturer approval is essential.

For businesses operating large amounts of diesel-powered equipment, this can make HVO an interesting option to investigate without having to replace existing machinery.

Why are businesses considering HVO?

There are several reasons commercial operators are looking at HVO.

Potentially lower carbon emissions

Depending on the feedstock used, production pathway and methodology used to calculate emissions, HVO can offer substantial lifecycle greenhouse-gas savings compared with fossil diesel.

The exact reduction isn't a single fixed percentage and shouldn't be assumed for every HVO product.

Businesses should therefore ask their fuel supplier about the specific HVO being supplied and the relevant sustainability certification and emissions information.

No major change to the way your fleet operates

Where HVO is manufacturer-approved, businesses can potentially transition existing diesel equipment to HVO without replacing the vehicle or machinery itself.

A practical step towards lower-carbon operations

For companies that rely heavily on diesel, completely replacing a fleet with alternative technology may take considerable time.

HVO can provide another option for businesses looking to reduce the fossil fuel element of their operations while continuing to use existing diesel-powered equipment.

Can you mix HVO with diesel?

HVO and conventional diesel can generally be mixed where the equipment is approved for HVO use.

This can make the transition easier for businesses that don't want to change their entire fuel supply immediately.

However, always check manufacturer compatibility before making the change.

Is HVO suitable for your business?

If your business operates diesel vehicles, machinery or generators, it's worth investigating whether HVO is an option for your operation.

At SE Fuels, we supply HVO to commercial customers and can discuss your requirements, including your likely volumes and delivery requirements.

Our minimum HVO delivery is 1,000 litres, making it particularly suitable for businesses with regular or higher-volume fuel requirements.

We can supply HVO for a range of commercial applications, including fleets, agriculture, plant, machinery and generators, subject to manufacturer approval.

Making the switch to HVO

Switching fuel doesn't have to mean changing everything at once.

For many businesses, the first step is simply to establish:

1. Which vehicles and equipment can use HVO?

Check manufacturer approval.

2. How much diesel does your business currently use?

Understanding your current consumption helps establish your likely HVO requirement.

3. How will you store and receive the fuel?

Consider your existing fuel storage capacity and delivery requirements.

4. What sustainability information do you need?

If you're using HVO as part of your environmental reporting, ask your supplier for the appropriate product and sustainability documentation.

Talk to SE Fuels about commercial HVO

If you're considering switching some or all of your diesel consumption to HVO, SE Fuels can help you understand your fuel requirements and arrange commercial HVO deliveries.

We supply HVO to businesses across Kent, Sussex and beyond, with a minimum delivery of 1,000 litres.

Whether you're operating a commercial fleet, farm, construction business, generator or plant equipment, get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Ready to explore HVO for your business?

Speak to SE Fuels today.