EN15940 HVO is approved for use by original engine manufacturers as a drop-in replacement to conventional Diesel without modifications. This article explains why, how it meets OEM requirements and how to easily gain direct approvals.
Most engine manufacturers approve of the use of EN15940 HVO as a drop-in replacement for conventional EN590 Diesel in their engines without modification, including DAF, Scania and Volvo.
HVO is not a new fuel. In fact, it has been widely accepted and proven around the world for over a decade. It is now approved for use by most engine manufacturers.
In Sweden, HVO is already available at most fuel stations for use in cars, vans, trucks and buses, much like diesel and petrol in the UK.
Why do they approve?
HVO is very similar to standard Diesel at a molecular level. The hydrotreatment process is a complex refinery process that removes oxygen from vegetable oil molecules and splits them into three separate chains, thus creating hydrocarbons very similar to regular Diesel – every molecule has a petroleum structure and there is no ester link. It meets the international Diesel specification.
Engine manufacturers recognise that it is a high-quality, stable and dependable next-generation Diesel that can be used as a drop-in replacement to fossil-derived Diesel in the energy transition towards net zero.
How HVO meets engine manufacturer requirements?
Prema HVO is part of a family of cleaner, greener fuels called ‘paraffinic diesel fuels’. The European Standardisation body, CEN, published a full specification for paraffinic fuels – EN15940 – in mid-2016. This paved the way for legislators and manufacturers to specifically refer to and approve the use of these fuels in their legislation and handbooks. As a result, most OEMs have approved of the use of EN15940 diesels, including Prema HVO, since 2016. So, for engines from 2016 onward, it is likely the engine manufacturers will approve.
Prema HVO also meets the international diesel specification, ASTM D975. It meets the conventional diesel specification, EN590, in all respects apart from density (it is slightly lighter than conventional diesel). This has minimal, if any, effect on fuel consumption because the heating value of the fuels are so similar. Prema HVO exceeds the EN590 specification regarding cold properties, ignition qualities, filterability and stability.
Why gain approval from your engine manufacturer?
If your vehicle or application is still within the manufacturer’s warranty or you have taken out mechanical breakdown insurance, we always recommend gaining direct approval.
How to gain approval from your engine manufacturer?
If you are having issues gaining approval from your manufacturers – it can sometimes be because uninformed people at the manufacturers may confuse EN15940 HVO with Biodiesel FAME.
HVO is fundamentally different to Biodiesel FAME. To avoid this, we would suggest asking the engine manufacturers if they approve of the use of EN15940 Diesel, that Prema HVO adheres to. From there, they should approve of HVO specifically also.
If you would like further information regarding OEM approvals or fuel specifications, please do get in touch.
