European drivers still buy them. So a better fuel alternative is important. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Although “diesel” is something of a dirty word in the U.S.—at least so far as personal vehicles go: let’s face it, most of those Class 8 trucks hauling cargo across the country and across town are powered by diesel fuel—according to the most recent figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, this past October of the light vehicles registered in the European Union, 10.9% were powered by diesel.

While that is a far cry from what the percentage once was, it is important to know that the 10.9% is greater than the percentage of registration for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which as 7.7%.

Which explains why, for example, BMW Group is building diesel models in addition to an array of vehicles with other powertrains.

But BMW will be fueling the vehicles that leave its plants with HVO 100, a 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil, that is produced by Neste, a Finnish firm.

The companies have calculated that on a life-cycle basis, compared with fossil-fuel diesel there is a greenhouse gas reduction of up to 90% with the HVO 100.

Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG:

“When it comes to climate protection, every ton of CO2 saved counts. The more than 250 million existing vehicles in Europe are an important factor here: Their CO2 balance could be significantly improved if the regenerative share of fuel was increased. We are going ahead: From January 2025, we will fill up all diesel models produced in Germany with HVO 100 before delivery to dealers — a high-quality diesel replacement with up to 90% lower CO2e emissions in the overall balance sheet.”

Zipse’s point about the exiting diesel cars on the road can’t be overlooked.

It is going to take quite some time for those to be replaced by non-diesel alternatives.

Consequently, the importance of renewable fuels like HVO 100 cannot be underestimated.