Skoda to Use Sustainable Fuel Made from Oil in Diesel Models

Skoda has announced its plan to use sustainable HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) as the initial fuel for newly manufactured diesel models produced in its Czech factories and to refuel its logistics fleet.

All Skoda diesel models from the 2022 production year (manufactured from week 25 of 2021) are approved to use HVO fuel. Vehicles approved for HVO are marked with the XTL symbol on the fuel cap, while older models can confirm compatibility at authorised Skoda dealerships. HVO fuel and HVO-diesel blends are already widely available in European markets.

This synthetic diesel is produced from waste materials and differs from biodiesel, which is derived from agricultural crops. HVO fuel is made from used fats and oils through a chemical hydrogenation process and therefore does not require farmland, making it even more sustainable.

HVO fuel is an advanced biofuel classified as a synthetic diesel substitute. It is produced through a hydrogenation process, primarily using used oils, including used cooking oils and fats of vegetable and animal origin. Unlike biodiesel, HVO fuel does not rely on agricultural crops for its production.

HVO fuel is clear, virtually odourless, and has a significantly higher cetane number than fossil diesel (70 versus 51). This improves combustion efficiency and helps reduce pollutant emissions, particularly particulate matter. HVO fuel also contains no sulphur, aromatic hydrocarbons, or high-boiling-point hydrocarbons.

As a result, it reduces harmful substance emissions and decreases the frequency of diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration cycles. In older diesel engines, HVO fuel can also contribute to quieter and smoother operation. The fuel can be freely mixed with conventional diesel.

This next-generation biofuel is supplied by the Czech state-owned company CEPRO. This initiative is part of joint decarbonisation measures being implemented across the company and aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of Skoda Auto's corporate activities.

In terms of production and logistics, the Czech automaker has set the goal of achieving carbon neutrality at all its plants in the Czech Republic and India by the end of the decade.