HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is gradually establishing itself as a credible way to decarbonise road transport. Made from renewable raw materials, this synthetic fuel significantly cuts polluting emissions while remaining compatible with most existing diesel engines. First used by professional fleets, it is now gaining ground with local authorities and companies committed to the energy transition. Here is everything you need to know about this alternative to conventional diesel.
What is HVO?
HVO, or hydrogenated vegetable oil, is a second-generation biofuel. Unlike conventional biofuels such as biodiesel (FAME), it does not come from esterification but from a hydrogenation process: vegetable oils or animal fats are treated with hydrogen at high temperature, producing a stable, pure and high-performing fuel.
💡 This process removes the oxygen present in the oils, which improves the fuel's thermal stability and combustion quality.
A sustainable fuel with high potential
HVO can be produced from several sources:
Sustainable vegetable oils (rapeseed, sunflower, certified palm)
Used cooking oils (collected from the catering sector)
Recovered animal fats
This variety of raw materials makes it possible to recycle waste, reducing the overall environmental impact. According to producers such as Neste, HVO delivers a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90% over the fuel's whole life cycle.
Advantages of HVO over conventional diesel
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Can be used in most diesel engines without modification |
| Performance | More complete combustion, better cold-weather stability |
| Environment | Less CO₂, fine particulates and NOₓ |
| Storage | Keeps better over time than esterified biofuels |
| Smell | Fewer fumes when refuelling or during a cold start |
HVO100, meaning HVO used pure at 100%, is already adopted by some fleets (urban transport, logistics, construction), notably in low-emission zones (LEZ).
Limitations and points to watch
Despite its many strengths, HVO still has some limitations:
Higher price than fossil diesel (in the order of €1.90 to €2.10/L)
Limited availability: mainly sold at professional stations (TotalEnergies, AS 24, Neste)
Production still limited in France: most of it is imported
It should also be noted that, although derived from plant or animal sources, HVO is still a carbon-based liquid fuel. It is therefore not fully neutral, but a credible intermediate step towards decarbonised transport.
Where to fill up with HVO in France?
HVO100 is still mostly reserved for professionals, available with a fuel card. It can be found at:
TotalEnergies pro stations (notably in Île-de-France, Rhône-Alpes…)
The AS 24 network for heavy goods vehicles
Some Neste My Renewable Diesel stations, mainly in urban logistics
Regional initiatives (such as in Lyon or Lille) support its roll-out in buses, refuse trucks and municipal vehicles.
HVO vs B7 vs B10: quick comparison
| Fuel | Origin | CO₂ (life cycle) | Compatibility | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B7 | 93% fossil / 7% FAME | Low reduction | Universal | €1.69/L |
| B10 | 90% fossil / 10% FAME | –2 to –4% | Partial | €1.67/L |
| HVO100 | 100% renewable | Up to –90% | Near-total | €1.90–2.10/L |
Who is HVO for?
Captive fleets (buses, heavy goods vehicles, maintenance vehicles)
Local authorities wishing to green their fleet without investing in electric
Committed companies with a CSR policy (building, delivery, construction…)
🛠 Several manufacturers (Renault Trucks, Scania, Volvo, MAN) now approve the use of HVO across their whole diesel range.
In conclusion
HVO positions itself as a serious alternative to fossil diesel, without requiring any major technological change. Cleaner, already operational and compatible with current vehicles, it offers a realistic transition to more sustainable mobility. Its price remains a brake for the general public, but its adoption is growing among professionals and local authorities.
Sources
Ministère de la Transition écologique