Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a renewable diesel which has been gaining significant attention lately, but what exactly is it, and how can it improve your warehouse operations?
HVO is a premium-quality, paraffinic bio-based diesel. Produced through the hydro processing of vegetable oils and animal fats, it undergoes a hydrogenation process that removes oxygen, resulting in a fuel that’s chemically like fossil diesel but much cleaner.
While HVO is chemically and physically similar to other types of diesel, it does differ significantly in many ways.
For example, unlike traditional diesel, which is derived from crude oil, HVO is produced through the hydrotreatment of vegetable oils and animal fats. This process removes impurities, which results in a cleaner-burning fuel with a chemical structure almost identical to fossil diesel, but with superior performance characteristics.
Additionally, HVO’s lack of oxygen or aromatic compounds means reduced emissions of particulates, NOx, and CO2 compared to standard diesel.
And unlike biodiesel, which can degrade over time and is prone to cold-weather performance issues, HVO has a longer shelf life and better cold-flow properties, making it ideal for outdoor and warehouse-based operations.
HVO is considered one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional diesel, primarily due to its reduced greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable sourcing. Since it is produced from renewable feedstocks like vegetable oils, waste cooking oils, and animal fats, it significantly lowers the carbon footprint compared to fossil-based fuels.
One of the most notable environmental benefits of HVO is its potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% over its lifecycle compared to fossil diesel, depending on the feedstock source.
Unlike biodiesel (FAME), HVO does not contribute to increased land use or deforestation when sourced from waste oils and certified sustainable feedstocks. It is also biodegradable and non-toxic, important factors when considering environmental risk in case of spills.
Switching to HVO can have a multitude of positive impacts on your operations, especially if you’re looking into ways to improve sustainability whilst maintaining efficiency.
Operationally, using HVO’s cleaner combustion offers consistent performance. It produces fewer carbon deposits, which reduces engine wear and maintenance costs over time. This not only extends the TCO of warehouse machinery, but also minimises any downtime caused by equipment failures. Additionally, HVO’s superior cold-weather performance ensures reliable operation in lower temperatures.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil can be used as a drop-in replacement without modifying existing diesel engines or fuel infrastructure, which leads to an easy transition to more sustainable operations.
Additionally, with supply chains under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, adopting HVO demonstrates a commitment to greener logistics and can be a key differentiator when working with eco-conscious clients. It also helps businesses meet important environmental targets and align with new regulations and initiatives.
Overall, HVO’s renewable nature, lower emissions, and compatibility with existing diesel systems makes it a compelling alternative for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
We are pleased to announce that TCM is rolling out a new option for using HVO in our latest generation Stage V diesel models. All new trucks equipped with Stage V engines, including Mitsubishi D04EG and D04EG-T, Kubota V3800, are eligible to order through your accredited TCM dealer.
They can be fueled with any HVO compliant with EN15940 and can be used with both pure HVO100 (100% concentration) and blended in any ratio with fossil diesel. For instance, HVO20 consists of 20% HVO and 80% fossil diesel.
While correct maintenance of any vehicle is essential for proper performance, use of HVO in your TCM trucks will not change your regular maintenance schedule. Simply follow the same schedule according to the Operator’s and Maintenance Manual that comes with your trucks.
Interested in learning more about our diesel trucks? Reach out to one of our accredited dealers to uncover which trucks are right for your operations.