Frequently
Asked
Questions

• HVO Industry Growth – The HVO market has grown rapidly and is set to reach 1.6 billion litres by 2030.
• UK Market Expansion – The UK’s HVO market is growing, with significant demand expected from the public sector and local government fleets.
• Challenges & Opportunities – Higher costs and limited supply may slow adoption, but government support and decarbonisation goals point to a promising future.
• Innovation Ahead – Ongoing R&D will enhance HVO fuel refining, making it cleaner and more efficient as it plays a key role in the move towards net-zero emissions.

• Hydrogen – While hydrogen is a promising fuel, HVO is more readily available in comparison, especially since the UK government has removed import taxes on HVO. This makes HVO a more accessible and immediate solution, whereas hydrogen infrastructure is still in development.
• Electric Vehicles – Electric vehicles face challenges with sufficient range and charging infrastructure, particularly in heavy-duty transport sectors. Full electrification is still in the early stages of development, and the upfront investment is extremely high.
• Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) – GTL is a synthetic fuel made by converting natural gas into diesel through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. However, GTL has lower energy efficiency and reduced energy density compared to traditional fuels like HVO and diesel, making it less efficient in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) differs from traditional mineral diesel and biodiesel blends (FAME – Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) in both production process and performance characteristics.

Key differences between HVO, mineral diesel, and biodiesel blends include:

• Stability & Shelf Life – HVO is more stable and has a much longer shelf life compared to FAME-based biodiesel, which can degrade over time and absorb moisture.
• Performance – HVO offers superior cold-weather performance, cleaner combustion, and reduced engine deposits, contributing to lower maintenance and longer engine life.
• Compatibility – Unlike FAME, HVO is a drop-in fuel and can be used at 100% concentration or blended with diesel in any ratio without requiring modifications to engines or infrastructure.
• Sustainability – HVO is made from renewable, sustainable feedstocks, such as waste oils and residues, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel.

In summary, HVO combines the reliability of traditional diesel with the environmental benefits of renewable fuel, while avoiding the storage and performance issues often associated with biodiesel blends.

Ford Fuels is part of the Renewable Fuel Assurance Scheme, partnered with Zemo demonstrating that the fuel we sell is 100% sustainable and sourced from renewable, environmentally responsible materials. This ensures full traceability of the raw materials and compliance with high sustainability standards.

The HVO fuel supplied by Ford Fuels meets the requirements of EN 15940 for paraffinic diesel fuels, ensuring it is compatible with existing diesel engines and infrastructure.

HVO is recognised under the Worldwide Fuel Charter, ensuring it meets global standards for fuel quality and engine performance. It is also approved by leading OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), guaranteeing that HVO is safe to use in diesel engines without damaging equipment or voiding warranties. OEM approval confirms HVO’s reliability and compatibility with existing diesel infrastructure, while offering reduced emissions and improved combustion.

HVO fuel is highly versatile and can be used across a wide range of industries and applications, including:

• Commercial Boilers (e.g., in hospitality, manufacturing, and food processing industries).
• Domestic Boilers (providing clean, renewable heating for homes).
• Generators (used in backup power systems for hospitals, data centres, and industrial facilities).
• Construction (e.g., heavy machinery and construction vehicles on building sites).
• Industrial Trucks (e.g., transport fleets in logistics, warehousing, and freight).
• Tankers (e.g., for transporting goods and bulk materials).
• Marine (e.g., boats, ships, and other vessels in commercial fishing, transport, and tourism).
• Rail (e.g., locomotives for freight and passenger transport in the railway industry).
• Agriculture (e.g., tractors, machinery, and harvesters in farming and horticulture).

Yes, HVO is typically more expensive per litre than conventional diesel. This is because it is a premium product produced using more advanced refining technology and high-quality, sustainable feedstocks. Additionally, as a business, we are investing significantly in the infrastructure to support HVO distribution, which contributes to the cost. That said, HVO is often sold at a fixed or more stable price, offering protection from the volatility of the conventional diesel market.

When factoring in performance benefits, environmental impact, and long-term reliability, many customers find that HVO delivers better overall value despite the higher initial cost.

HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) generally offers fuel efficiency comparable to conventional diesel. Fuel consumption is closely related to the fuel’s volumetric energy content, which for HVO is slightly lower than that of fossil diesel. However, due to its cleaner-burning properties and high cetane number, some engines may experience slightly improved combustion efficiency, which can offset the minor difference in energy content. In practice, most users notice little to no difference in fuel efficiency, and in some cases, a small improvement.

HVO is a direct drop-in replacement for diesel, requiring no modifications to your engine. It has the same calorific value as diesel, so fuel consumption remains unchanged. However, due to its higher cetane number, HVO may result in smoother engine operation by improving combustion. It delivers similar power and acceleration to conventional diesel in modern engines, with no loss in performance or responsiveness.

HVO also performs well in extreme cold weather due to its low cloud point. It promotes cleaner engine operation by reducing deposit build-up in the fuel system, and it has no negative impact on engine oil. The favourable distillation range and hydrocarbon chemistry of HVO help preserve engine oil condition, resulting in reduced oil dilution, slower deterioration, and longer engine life with fewer oil changes.

In short: no disruption, same performance, cleaner running, and lower emissions.

No, you won’t need to change your fuel storage tank. HVO is a drop-in replacement for conventional diesel and is fully compatible with existing fuel storage and dispensing infrastructure. No modifications are required to your tank, fuel lines, or engine systems.

HVO can also be blended with regular diesel at any ratio, making it easy to transition gradually or use alongside existing fuel stocks without operational disruption.

While HVO offers numerous benefits, there are a few challenges to consider. First, HVO is not compatible with all engines or plant. Although it is widely approved by many OEMs, there are still some engines and equipment that have not been tested or approved for HVO use. It’s important to verify with the manufacturer whether your specific equipment is suitable for HVO before making the switch.

Additionally, HVO can be more expensive than traditional diesel due to the more complex production process, which involves advanced technology and sustainable raw materials. This cost increase may be a consideration for some businesses, but it is important to weigh it against the environmental benefits and potential long-term savings from cleaner engine operation and reduced maintenance.

• Sustainable & Renewable
  100% renewable, meets EN 15940 British standard.
• Ultra-Low Emissions
  Cuts CO₂ by up to 90%.
• Longer Shelf Life
  Stores up to 10 years with minimal maintenance.
• Drop-in Replacement
  Mixes with diesel at any ratio, no infrastructure changes needed.
• Non-Toxic & Odourless
  Biodegradable, safe, and clean.
• Cleaner Combustion
  Higher cetane number (90) for better efficiency.
• Reduced Maintenance
  Fewer filter issues, extends engine oil life.
• Better Air Quality
  Low sulphur & nitrogen oxides for healthier environments.
• Cold Weather Ready
  Improved cold flow properties prevent waxing.

Switching to HVO fuel is quick and easy because HVO is a “drop-in” replacement for regular diesel. No tank or vehicle modifications required or change in storage infrastructure.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Contact Us – Simply give us a call or send an enquiry. We’ll discuss your current setup and confirm compatibility (almost all diesel engines and generators can run on HVO without any issues).
2. Arrange Supply – We’ll organise a delivery that suits your schedule. HVO can be delivered directly into your existing diesel tanks, or into a new dedicated tank if you prefer.
3. Begin Using HVO – You can either switch entirely to HVO or gradually introduce it by mixing it with your current diesel stock at any ratio.
4. Ongoing Support – Our team will provide any technical advice you need and support you in tracking your carbon savings, helping you demonstrate your environmental impact.

It’s really that simple to start reducing your carbon footprint by up to 90%!

(Terms and Conditions apply. Contact us for more information.)

The fuel is produced through a hydrotreating process, which involves high pressure and temperature to convert the raw materials into a high-quality, clean-burning diesel alternative. This is a complex hydrotreatment process, which involves two main steps: hydrogenation and hydrocracking.

• Hydrogenation adds hydrogen to sustainable raw materials, such as waste oils and fats, removing oxygen from the molecules and converting them into a cleaner, more stable fuel.
• Hydrocracking breaks down large molecular chains into smaller ones, helping HVO to mimic the chemical structure of traditional diesel.

These processes result in a paraffinic hydrocarbon chain that is chemically very similar to fossil diesel but with significantly improved performance characteristics.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a fossil-free, FAME-free renewable diesel alternative. It is made from sustainable raw materials, such as used cooking oils and animal fats, making it an environmentally responsible fuel source. Ford Fuels HVO is virgin palm oil-free, ensuring that no rainforests are impacted in its production.

Add blue is the miss spelling of the brand name AdBlue.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a technique used to clean up diesel emissions. Exhaust gases can be treated with AdBlue to remove harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), of which nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the most harmful.

AdBlue is a colourless liquid made up of high purity urea and deionised water, and vehicles with SCR technology will have a separate tank filled with it.

Unlike diesel or petrol it is not injected into the engine,instead it is released into part of the vehicle’s exhaust. When heated in the exhaust, it decomposes into ammonia and CO₂. The NOx from the engine exhaust reacts inside the catalyst with the ammonia and the harmful NOx molecules in the exhaust are converted to harmless nitrogen. In fact, AdBlue® can reduce your NOx emissions by up to 90%!

AdBlue is a registered trademark owned by the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), which ensures standards are maintained.

No data has suggested that AdBlue has any adverse effects on fuel consumption.

Don’t start the engine; you will risk writing off the engine and fuel system. Call a breakdown company or misfuelling service provider and get the fuel tank emptied and flushed out.

Don’t start the engine; call your breakdown service provider to get the tank drained. If you start the engine, you could damage the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and AdBlue injection systems and they may then have to be replaced.

The Warning Light is there to tell you that you are running low on AdBlue. The vehicles information display screen will flash up warnings, the same as if your fuel was low. Failing to act on these warnings will result in the vehicle refusing to start until the AdBlue tank is filled.

The amount of AdBlue used depends on the type of driving being done and the number of miles covered.

The engine wouldn’t cut out the same as it would if you ran out of fuel, however the AdBlue is integral to diesel vehicles. This means your vehicle treats it like fuel and won’t run properly without it.

If you ignore the warning light and the AdBlue runs out the vehicle’s performance will be adversely affected (the vehicle does this to prevent any potential damage to the system occurring). Once you turn the engine off it will not restart if the AdBlue has run out.

Most vehicles will display a warning light on the dashboard when the AdBlue is running low.

The majority of AdBlue tank filler spouts are located adjacent to the diesel spout. In most cases they will have a blue cap to help distinguish them. The vehicles handbook should tell you its location.

Any spillages of AdBlue should be washed away with water.

Yes it is possible to refill a tank of AdBlue yourself.

No! Even though AdBlue is made up mostly of deionised water, you cannot use water as a replacement. All AdBlue products meet specific standards, so it is essential that you do not use any other products as they could damage your vehicles SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system resulting in expensive repairs and warranty violations.

AdBlue is essentially a solution of water and urea (a substance found in urine). However, in AdBlue, the urea is exceptionally pure and is of a high grade. The water used is deionised, so is vastly cleaner than water you would get from a tap. AdBlue is a non-toxic liquid that is also colourless in appearance, not blue as most people assume.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a technique used to clean up diesel emissions. Exhaust gases can be treated with AdBlue to remove harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), of which nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the most harmful.

AdBlue is a colourless liquid made up of high purity urea and deionised water, and vehicles with SCR technology will have a separate tank filled with it.

Unlike diesel or petrol it is not injected into the engine,instead it is released into part of the vehicle’s exhaust. When heated in the exhaust, it decomposes into ammonia and CO₂. The NOx from the engine exhaust reacts inside the catalyst with the ammonia and the harmful NOx molecules in the exhaust are converted to harmless nitrogen. In fact, AdBlue® can reduce your NOx emissions by up to 90%!

AdBlue is a registered trademark owned by the German Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA), which ensures standards are maintained.

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