HVO Fuel Vs Diesel – Are They Similar?

When it comes to powering vehicles and machinery, diesel fuel has long been the go-to choice. Its reliability, energy density, and wide availability have made it a staple in various industries.

However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative fuels that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

One example that is becoming more popular with industries and businesses is HVO fuel. HVO stands for hydrotreated vegetable oil. HVO is a drop-in alternative to fuels such as Diesel and is becoming more and more popular with businesses due to its benefits and efficiency.

In this blog, we will explore HVO fuel and diesel. We will be highlighting their similarities and differences, and discuss whether HVO could be a usable alternative to traditional diesel.

What Are Diesel And HVO Fuel?

Before we explore the similarities and differences between the two fuels, let’s define the two and discover their purposes:

Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel is a type of liquid fuel that is commonly used in diesel engines. Diesel engines are commonly found in trucks, buses, ships, and industrial machinery. The fuel is derived from crude oil through a refining process and is known for its high energy density and efficiency.

HVO Fuel

HVO fuel is a renewable and sustainable alternative to diesel. The fuel is made through a process called hydrotreatment, which converts vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oils into a high-quality, paraffinic diesel substitute.
HVO shares many characteristics with diesel but is considered a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.

How Are They Produced?

HVO fuel and diesel fuel are produced through different processes, resulting in distinct fuel properties. HVO fuel is produced through a different process that involves renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil.

In terms of production, both fuels share similarities in terms of their energy density and compatibility with diesel engines.

While there are similarities in terms of the hydrotreatment process and some refining steps. The key differences lie in the feedstock source and the resulting environmental impact.

HVO’s production from renewable feedstocks and its potential for lower emissions make it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel, which is primarily derived from fossil fuels.

Similarities Between HVO Fuel And Diesel

HVO fuel and diesel are two different types of fueling products that have similar benefits and purposes. Below are some of their key similarities:

Energy Density

Both HVO fuel and diesel possess high energy densities, making them efficient choices for powering engines. This means they can provide a lot of energy per unit volume, which is crucial for applications where space is limited, such as transportation.

Engine Compatibility

HVO fuel is designed to be a drop-in replacement for diesel. This means that HVO fuel is capable of being used for vehicles and machinery that usually run on normal diesel without requiring any modifications to use HVO.

This compatibility is a significant advantage for businesses and industries when considering a transition to more sustainable fuels.

Performance

In terms of performance, HVO fuel is similar to diesel. It offers excellent torque, acceleration, and reliability, which are essential factors for industries relying on diesel-powered machinery.

Infrastructure

The current infrastructure is one of the key similarities between HVO fuel and diesel. Diesel fuel is widely available and has an established distribution network. HVO is often found to be distributed through the same channels, reducing the need for extensive changes in the supply chain.

Differences Between HVO Fuel And Diesel

Although HVO and diesel have many similarities, they do have some key differences that you need to be aware of which are included below:

Source And Sustainability

One of the main significant differences between HVO fuel and Diesel is their sources and sustainability. Diesel fuel is extracted from fossil fuels that have a significant contribution to the production of greenhouse gas emissions in the current environment.

In contrast to diesel fuel, HVO is a renewable fueling product made from environmentally friendly sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats, making it a more sustainable product to use. This further reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and decreases the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions, HVO fuel is frequently promoted as a cleaner substitute for diesel. Carbon capture is frequently used in the manufacture of HVO, helping to lessen the fuel’s carbon footprint.

When used in vehicles and machinery, HVO fuel can result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions making it a beneficial option for companies who are seeking to change the current negative impacts fuels are having on the environment.

Price And Availability

While HVO is growing in popularity, businesses and industries may find it a struggle to access the product compared to diesel as it may be less available and more expensive in some regions.

This factor can prevent its broad use, particularly in places where the infrastructure for renewable fuels is still being built.

Cold Weather Performance

Compared to diesel, HVO fuel may have a lower cloud point. This can result in gasoline gelling or filter clogging concerns in severely cold temperatures. In such situations, diesel, which is designed for cold weather, would be a better option for performance levels.

HVO Fuel and Diesel At Pleavin Petroleum

HVO fuel and diesel share many similarities, including energy density, engine compatibility, and performance. However, the key differences between the two lie in their source, sustainability, and environmental impact.

If you are considering switching to HVO fuel or continue to use regular diesel, our team here at Pleavin Petroleum can provide you with cost-effective fuel that can be delivered on a same-day delivery basis when you place an order.