More Volvo trucks suitable for diesel alternatives

The number of truck models that can run on synthetic or biodiesel has been expanded by Volvo Trucks. These renewable fuels offer opportunities for customers who want to reduce CO₂-emissions from transportation here and now - and still want to keep driving the familiar diesel engine.

Volvo Trucks is expanding the truck range suitable for diesel alternatives. This is another step in line with the company's strategy to reduce trucks' impact on the climate. The manufacturer now has one of the broadest assortments of renewable fuel options in the industry, including biodiesel, HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils) and Bio-LNG.

All Volvo Trucks diesel engines were already certified for HVO100, a high-quality biofuel that can be made from materials such as vegetable oils, as well as waste products.

In addition to HVO100, a wide selection of engines in the Volvo FL, FE, FM, FMX, FH and FH16 are now capable of using biodiesel B100. This biofuel is an alternative to diesel for some specific applications, especially in countries where HVO100 is less readily available.

"Our customers are asking for solutions to reduce their CO₂-emissions, and renewable fuels are an attractive option. It is simply an efficient way to reduce CO₂-emissions from transportation here and now," says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks. "This is why we invest not only in future technologies, but also in solutions that will make transport carbon-free in the short term."

Up to 90% less CO₂-emissions

The CO₂-reduction "from source to wheel" by using HVO is between 60 and 90% compared to traditional diesel fuel, depending on the type of feedstock used to produce the fuel. For biodiesel B100, it is between 30% and 70%.

Volvo's current range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks is now offered with powertrains that run on diesel, biodiesel, HVO, (bio-)gas and electricity.

The internal combustion engine, powered by renewable fuels, is one of three pillars in Volvo Trucks' decarbonization strategy. The other two are battery-electric and fuel cell-electric. This strategy supports Volvo's goal for all new trucks sold to have net zero emissions by 2040.

Biodiesel - facts

• - Biodiesel is a non-fossil fuel derived from vegetable oils (e.g., rapeseed oil) and is relatively easy to produce.
• - Biodiesel is also known as Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) according to standard EN14214.
• - A biodiesel certified truck model, meets the requirements for Euro 6.
• - Available Volvo truck models certified for biodiesel B100 are the Volvo FL, FE, FM, FMX, FH and FH16, with certain variants of the 5-, 8-, 13- and 17-liter diesel engines. Availability of variants varies by market*.
• - Different maintenance schedules apply to trucks running on B100.

*The details can be viewed in the online truck builder tool from Volvo Trucks.