Ford turns to HVO fuel

Ford has approved the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in its Transit vans.

This renewable diesel fuel is based on waste oils, including used cooking oil that can be sourced from restaurants and takeaways – and even kitchens at home.

The use of HVO – or renewable diesel – in place of conventional fossil fuels can contribute to improvements in air quality, reducing greenhouse gases by as much as 90%. Further, vehicles running on HVO emit less NOx and particulates than other diesel vehicles because the fuel contains no sulphur, or oxygen.

Ford thoroughly tested HVO in its 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine to make sure no modifications would be needed, and servicing would not be affected. No further development of the fuel was needed before it could be used in Ford’s latest Transit vans.

HVO is on sale at selected fuel stations in Europe, mainly in Scandinavia and the Baltic states, but if a vehicle runs low on HVO in an area where it is not offered for sale, the driver can fill up with conventional diesel – the fuels can mix in the tank without causing problems.

Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe, said: “Enabling our vans to run on fuel made from waste, including used cooking oil, may sound far-fetched but using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is, in fact, a very real way in which Transit drivers and fleet operators will soon be able to help everybody enjoy improved air quality.”