Sweden-based heavy-duty truck and bus manufacturer Scania has approved use of renewable diesel, or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), in its Euro 6 range provided it meets technical specification TS15940. Scania says under optimal conditions use of renewable diesel can achieve reductions of carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 percent.

“We have decided to give our blessing to the use of [renewable diesel] in our diesel vehicles,” said Örjan Åslund, head of product affairs at Scania. “Scania is the leading manufacturer when it comes to offering power trains for alternatives fuels, and we have considerable experience with the practical side of driving using HVO. It’s an alternative fuel that has relatively few disadvantages when compared to diesel, while also offering a large reduction in CO2 emissions.”

Earlier this year, the company approved use of renewable diesel in all types of Euro 5 vehicles and all types of operations. In cooperation with customers, the company also initiated a field test in Sweden involving around 100 trucks with Euro 6 engines.

“Thanks to the certification and our own decision, all Scania haulers with Euro 6 engines can use HVO, including in buses,” Åslund said. “I know that interest is very high. The challenge for most operators will be in getting access to HVO, as both production and distribution facilities are still limited.”

The company says its certification of renewable diesel complements its market-leading range of Euro 6 engines and power trains for alternative fuels. Scania has also previously approved five Euro 6 engines for use with FAME biodiesel.

“Scania is continuing to take the lead in products and services for sustainable transport,” Åslund said. “From Scania’s perspective, it’s clear that a variety of solutions are needed in the form of different alternative and renewable fuels. And to meet the global climate challenge, it’s necessary to explore several different avenues, ranging from more efficient vehicles to smarter transport and renewable fuels.”

Scania is owned by Volkswagen AG.