Latest Research on HVO Fuel Efficiency

In recent years, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel has emerged as one of the most promising renewable alternatives to traditional diesel in the UK. With the country working hard to meet its net-zero carbon emissions targets by 2050, businesses and individuals alike are actively seeking cleaner energy solutions. But just how efficient is HVO fuel, especially when compared to fossil diesel? Let’s delve into the latest research on HVO fuel efficiency and understand what it means for UK users.

What is HVO Fuel?

Before exploring the science behind its efficiency, it’s important to grasp what HVO actually is. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is a synthetic paraffinic diesel produced through hydrotreatment of waste vegetable oils and animal fats. Unlike traditional biodiesel (FAME), HVO is free from oxygen, making it more stable, cleaner burning, and suitable for modern diesel engines without modifications.

Latest Research Insights on HVO Fuel Efficiency

1. Thermal Efficiency and Engine Performance

A recent joint study by the University of Birmingham and a leading HVO supplier analysed how HVO behaves under various engine loads and weather conditions. The research found that:

• HVO fuel offers thermal efficiency comparable to or slightly better than standard diesel.

  
  

• Under partial loads, HVO demonstrated up to 4% higher brake thermal efficiency (BTE).

• Cold starts showed faster ignition times, which is a significant advantage in UK winters.

These findings confirm HVO’s capacity to support performance in critical settings such as agriculture, haulage, and backup generators—common across rural and industrial UK sectors.

2. Fuel Consumption Metrics

From a practical standpoint, the question arises: Does HVO get you further per litre than diesel?

According to a 2024 DEFRA-funded field trial, when HVO was used in agricultural tractors and commercial fleet vans, the fuel consumption was nearly identical to diesel, with less than 1.5% variance.

This negligible difference suggests that no operational sacrifices are needed to switch to HVO. In fact, long-term benefits arise from the fuel’s cleaner combustion, which reduces engine deposits and extends maintenance intervals.

3. Emissions and Efficiency

Efficiency isn’t just about mileage—it’s also about the environmental impact. This is where HVO stands out:

• Up to 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions (well-to-wheel) compared to fossil diesel.

• Lower NOₓ (nitrogen oxide) and PM (particulate matter) emissions.

• Research from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) showed that buses running on 100% HVO produced 32% fewer NOₓ emissions during urban stop-start driving cycles.

This makes HVO an ideal solution for low-emission zones (LEZs) like London, Birmingham, and Manchester, where reducing pollutants is a policy priority.

4. Efficiency in Hybrid and Generator Applications

Recent tests conducted by Kingston University London on backup diesel generators powered by HVO revealed that:

• The efficiency remained steady across variable loads, showing no degradation in power output.

• Generator engines had lower oil fouling and soot deposits, improving overall lifespan.

Similarly, hybrid vehicles using HVO as the diesel component recorded smoother transitions between fuel and electric power due to HVO’s higher cetane number (typically around 70–90 compared to diesel’s 51–55).

Factors That Enhance HVO Efficiency in the UK

The UK’s unique environmental and operational factors actually complement HVO usage:

• Cold climate adaptability: HVO’s excellent cold flow properties ensure no gelling or waxing, especially useful in Scotland and Northern England.

• Widespread compatibility: UK trials confirm that HVO can be used in Euro VI engines without modifications, making it an efficient drop-in fuel.

• Reduced storage concerns: HVO’s oxidative stability means it can be stored for up to 10 years, unlike traditional diesel, which degrades in a year or less.

Real-World UK Case Studies

Logistics Fleet in Greater Manchester

A regional haulage firm running HGVs on HVO saw:

• 5% decrease in fuel-related maintenance costs.

• Consistent mileage per litre, matching fossil diesel benchmarks.

• Boosted brand credibility, with many clients preferring carbon-reduced delivery partners.

Agricultural Estate in Norfolk

Switching all machinery to HVO resulted in:

• Improved cold starts during frosty mornings.

• Cleaner exhaust systems, with no need for DPF cleaning for over 18 months.

• A 15% longer service interval cycle thanks to cleaner fuel combustion.

Conclusion: Is HVO Fuel Efficient Enough for the UK?

The answer is a resounding yes.

The latest research shows that HVO fuel:

• Matches diesel in mileage and engine performance.

• Outperforms diesel in emissions, cold-start ability, and storage.

• Offers long-term efficiency gains via reduced maintenance and cleaner combustion.

As governmental and private sectors continue investing in green technology, HVO is poised to play a central role in transitioning to low-carbon operations—without the need for costly engine upgrades or infrastructural changes.

Final Thoughts

For UK businesses and individuals exploring eco-conscious fuel alternatives, HVO is not just a temporary solution—it’s a future-ready, efficiency-driven fuel that aligns with both environmental and economic goals.

As research continues and HVO becomes more accessible across the UK, the time to consider switching is now—not just for sustainability, but for performance without compromise.