Van operators are under pressure to reduce emissions, but switching to an electric van is not yet practical for many. Cost, charging infrastructure, and operational demands still make diesel the more realistic option for many businesses.
That is why hydrotreated vegetable oil, commonly abbreviated as HVO, has attracted growing interest in the commercial vehicle sector. It is promoted as a lower-emissions alternative to diesel that can usually be used in existing diesel vans without modification.
For operators who want to reduce emissions without replacing vehicles or changing how their fleet works day-to-day, HVO can sound appealing. But there are still questions around cost, availability and the sustainability of some fuel sources.
What is HVO?
HVO is a diesel alternative made from renewable oils and fats, including used cooking oil and other waste materials. The fuel undergoes hydrotreatment, turning it into a fuel suitable for diesel engines.
Unlike biodiesel, HVO can usually be used as a direct replacement for diesel fuel. In many cases, it can be mixed with normal diesel in any proportion, although operators should always check manufacturer approval before using it in a van or fleet vehicle.
HVO suppliers claim reductions of up to 90% in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions compared with conventional diesel. Suppliers also claim lower particulate matter and NOX emissions than standard diesel fuel.
Although HVO still produces tailpipe emissions, some fleets see it as a transitional fuel that can help reduce emissions without the cost and operational changes of moving immediately to electric vans.
Can I use HVO in my van?
Many modern diesel vans can use HVO without mechanical modifications, but approval varies by manufacturer and model.
Before filling up with HVO, check:
- whether your van manufacturer officially approves HVO use
- whether there are restrictions for certain engines or model years
- whether using HVO affects your new vehicle warranty or servicing requirements
Even when HVO is approved, some operators choose to test it gradually by blending it with conventional diesel before fully switching.
How much does HVO cost?
HVO is usually more expensive than diesel, although prices can fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
Large fleets are often better placed to manage these costs because they can buy fuel in bulk and store it on-site. Smaller operators using public fuel stations are less likely to see a financial advantage.
One practical advantage is storage life. Diesel can start to degrade after around a year in storage, while HVO suppliers claim the fuel can remain stable for much longer.
Unlike electric vans, switching to HVO does not require operators to install charging infrastructure or change how vehicles are used day-to-day. For some fleets, particularly those covering long distances or carrying heavy payloads, that can make HVO easier to adopt in the short term.
Where can I buy HVO?
Public availability of HVO remains limited compared with diesel.
The fuel is mainly used by larger operators that can arrange bulk deliveries to depots, although a growing number of UK fuel stations now offer HVO pumps.
Some smaller operators buy fuel through local fleet depots that already bunker HVO on-site. If you are refuelling from another operator’s depot, make sure you understand their access procedures, pricing arrangements and site safety requirements.
What is the difference between biodiesel and HVO?
Both biodiesel and HVO are biofuels made from similar raw materials, but they are produced differently and behave differently in engines.
Biodiesel is already blended into standard diesel sold in the UK, usually at low concentrations. Higher biodiesel blends may require engine modifications or manufacturer approval.
HVO is processed differently and is designed to behave much more like conventional diesel fuel. That’s why many diesel engines can use it without modification.
What is the controversy surrounding HVO?
HVO’s environmental claims have come under increasing scrutiny.
A 2025 BBC investigation reported allegations that some virgin palm oil products may have been incorrectly classified as waste-derived fuel materials within European biofuel supply chains. The report also raised concerns about whether enough waste material exists globally to match the volumes being declared in some certification systems.
As a result, some businesses have decided not to use HVO until there is greater confidence in supply chain certification and sustainability claims.
For operators considering HVO, this means checking fuel sourcing and certification carefully rather than assuming all HVO products carry the same environmental benefits.
Additional reporting by Trinity Francis. Originally published July 2025, last updated May 2026.
