HVO fuel: the complete guide for haulage fleets

Haulage businesses across the UK are under pressure to cut emissions and move towards cleaner energy. Heavy goods vehicles are still largely diesel-powered, but that’s beginning to change. HVO fuel offers hauliers a simple way to reduce emissions without replacing their fleet or infrastructure.

In this guide, we’ll look at what HVO fuel is, how it works, and what it means for HGV fleets today.

What is HVO fuel?

HVO fuel, short for hydrotreated or hydrogenated vegetable oil, is a renewable diesel alternative made from waste fats and vegetable oils. It’s part of a group known as paraffinic diesels, which are synthetically produced from renewable materials rather than crude oil.

Unlike traditional biodiesel, HVO fuel doesn’t contain fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). This makes it more stable, cleaner burning, and less prone to issues like oxidation or water contamination. Because it’s a “drop-in” fuel, operators can use it in existing diesel engines with no modifications.

You’ll also hear it called renewable diesel, green diesel, or HVO diesel, but they all refer to the same thing.

How HVO fuel is made

HVO fuel is produced through a process called hydrotreatment. Waste oils and animal fats are purified, then treated with hydrogen at high temperatures. This process removes oxygen and impurities, creating a high-quality hydrocarbon fuel almost identical to fossil diesel.

The hydrotreatment process includes two main stages:

1. Pre-treatment: Feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste are filtered and cleaned.
2. Hydrotreatment and isomerisation: Hydrogen reacts with the oils to form pure hydrocarbons that mimic diesel in structure and performance.

Because the process is tightly controlled, the result is a consistent, clean, and stable fuel. HVO can be stored for up to 10 years, compared to around one year for regular diesel.

HVO vs biodiesel vs fossil diesel

While biodiesel can only be blended in small percentages, HVO can replace diesel entirely. It burns more cleanly, gives better cold starts, and resists degradation in storage.

Environmental and performance benefits of HVO fuel for haulage

For the haulage industry, HVO fuel offers a rare combination of cleaner emissions, improved reliability, and straightforward adoption. It helps fleets meet sustainability goals without sacrificing performance or uptime.

HVO for haulage is a genuine drop-in fuel — it can be used immediately in most existing diesel engines with no mechanical modifications or new infrastructure. Major manufacturers such as DAF, Volvo, Scania, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, and Renault Trucks have approved its use, alongside equipment makers like Caterpillar and John Deere.

This compatibility makes it a practical, low-risk switch for fleets that want to cut emissions quickly while keeping operations running as normal.

When used as a full replacement for diesel, HVO can cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. These reductions come from its renewable origins and the cleaner way it burns inside engines. It’s also free from sulphur, aromatics, and FAME, which makes it far more stable than conventional fuels.

1. Cleaner emissions and sustainability gains

HVO releases far fewer pollutants than fossil diesel, producing lower levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon monoxide (CO). These reductions help improve air quality, particularly in cities and logistics hubs where HGVs often operate.

Because it’s made from waste oils, fats, and residues, HVO supports a circular approach to fuel production. Every litre reused helps divert waste from landfill or incineration, making it a strong fit for circular economy logistics models.

For haulage operators working under emissions reporting frameworks or haulage contracts that require sustainability metrics, these measurable carbon savings can make a real difference. The fuel’s performance has also been independently verified under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), reinforcing its role in helping businesses transition to lower-carbon operations.

2. Reliable performance and engine health

HVO isn’t just about lowering emissions. Its high cetane number, usually between 70 and 90, provides faster ignition and more complete combustion. That leads to quieter operation, improved fuel efficiency, and less engine wear over time.

Because it burns cleaner and contains no FAME, there’s less soot formation and injector fouling, meaning longer service intervals and fewer maintenance callouts. Fleets that switch to HVO often report cleaner filters and lower emissions test readings, even under heavy use.

3. Cold weather stability and storage life

For operators storing bulk fuel at depots, reliability in all conditions is critical. HVO maintains consistent performance in cold weather, with a Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFFP) as low as -27°C. This means trucks can operate efficiently throughout the winter without waxing or fuel flow issues.

Another major advantage is HVO’s storage stability. While mineral diesel begins to degrade after a year, HVO can be stored safely for up to 10 years with minimal risk of oxidation or microbial growth. This makes it ideal for large depots, standby generators, and seasonal operations.

Add to that its non-toxic and biodegradable nature, and you’ve got a renewable fuel that’s both safer to handle and easier to manage long term.

Cost and availability

Right now, HVO fuel costs around 10–15% more than standard diesel. Prices vary by supplier and region, mainly due to feedstock costs and limited UK production capacity.

Despite this, many hauliers see the higher cost as a trade-off for long-term savings. HVO helps fleets stay compliant with emissions regulations and can lower costs tied to maintenance and carbon reporting.

UK suppliers such as Crown Oil, Prema Energy, and Your NRG distribute HVO nationwide, though supply can be limited in rural areas. Over time, as production expands, prices are expected to narrow.

Supply and sourcing in the UK

The UK’s growing demand for renewable diesel has outpaced local production. At present, most HVO for haulage is imported from large-scale European producers like Neste, where it’s refined using waste oils and animal fats. Once processed, it’s distributed to UK suppliers who manage regional delivery networks.

Feedstocks used to make HVO include used cooking oils, tallow, and vegetable residues, all of which would otherwise become waste. These materials are cleaned, treated, and refined into a consistent, paraffinic diesel with the same energy density as standard fuel.

Because the availability of these feedstocks depends on agricultural and food industry output, prices can fluctuate. Seasonal shifts in supply and competition from other sectors also influence wholesale cost. As more waste-derived inputs and refining capacity come online, these costs are expected to stabilise.

Certification and fuel quality

To verify that HVO fuel is sustainable and responsibly sourced, hauliers should look for certification from schemes like ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) or RFAS (Renewable Fuel Assurance Scheme). These certifications confirm that the fuel is:

• Derived from traceable, waste-based feedstocks rather than palm oil.
• Verified for greenhouse gas reductions across its full lifecycle.
• Fully compliant with the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

Most certified suppliers provide a Proof of Sustainability (POS) document, which details the origin and production route of each batch.

Choosing certified HVO protects businesses from reputational risks and supports genuine carbon reduction efforts.

Choosing the right supplier

For hauliers planning a transition to renewable fuel, supplier choice matters. When sourcing HVO, it’s worth checking:

• Whether the product is ISCC- or RFAS-approved and palm-free.
• If the supplier can offer consistent volumes across multiple depots.
• Lead times for bulk orders and whether prices are fixed or indexed.
• Blending options, in case you plan to phase adoption gradually.

Because HVO has a long storage life, some operators choose to buy in bulk when prices are favourable. This approach also minimises delivery emissions and administrative time.

Understanding where your HVO fuel comes from not only helps control costs but also reinforces your business’s environmental commitment. In an industry where traceability and compliance are becoming central to tendering and haulage contracts, sourcing the right supplier can make a measurable difference.

Challenges and considerations

While HVO for haulage is one of the most promising low-carbon fuels available, there are challenges.

• Availability: Distribution networks are still expanding, so not all regions have consistent supply.
• Feedstock sourcing: Quality can vary depending on supplier, especially if non-certified palm oil is used.
• Certification: Look for ISCC or RFAS certification to confirm waste-derived origins.
• Cost: Still higher than diesel, though this gap is closing.

HVO isn’t completely carbon neutral. Emissions vary depending on how it’s made and transported, but it’s a major step towards decarbonisation while maintaining performance.

HVO vs electric vehicles for haulage

Electric trucks are often seen as the long-term solution for road transport, but they’re not yet practical for every operation. HVO fuel offers an immediate alternative that works with existing diesel fleets.

Electric HGVs require new infrastructure, higher upfront costs, and more downtime for charging. HVO can be used today with no major changes, making it an ideal transitional fuel while electrification develops.

Many operators now use a mix of both—electric for urban deliveries and HVO for long-haul routes where range and payload matter.

Regulations and the future of renewable fuels

Government initiatives like the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) are pushing UK businesses to adopt low-carbon fuels. As part of the move toward net zero, liquid fuels like HVO are gaining traction in the haulage and logistics sectors.

Many fleets also face new reporting pressures under Scope 3 emissions standards. Switching to renewable fuels supports those sustainability metrics while maintaining performance and reliability.

Over the next decade, the UK is expected to expand on-road access for HVO, especially for commercial transport. More suppliers are entering the market, and growing investment in renewable production means better supply and pricing in the near future.

How to switch to HVO fuel

Switching to HVO is straightforward. Here’s how hauliers can do it:

1. Check your engine manufacturer’s approval list for HVO compatibility.
2. Choose a certified, palm-free HVO supplier.
3. Clean existing diesel tanks if switching entirely to avoid residue contamination.
4. Consider a blended approach initially (e.g. 20–50%) before moving to 100%.
5. Track fuel usage and emission savings for reporting.

There’s no downtime or complex installation. You can simply fuel up and go.

The road ahead for haulage

HVO isn’t just a greener alternative—it’s a practical way to keep your business compliant, efficient, and future-ready. It gives operators a bridge between today’s diesel fleets and tomorrow’s zero-emission technology.

As government targets tighten and customer expectations shift, hauliers using HVO fuel can show real progress on sustainability without disrupting operations.

From long-haul freight to haulage return loads, HVO provides flexibility, reliability, and a clear route to cleaner transport.

Frequently asked questions