Mercedes-Benz Trucks approved the immediate use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also referred to as renewable diesel in the U.S., for its in-line six-cylinder engine variants of the Mercedes-Benz OM 470, OM 471 (first generation) and OM 936 as well as the in-line four-cylinder variants of the OM 934 meeting the Euro VI emissions standard.

“Trucks from Mercedes-Benz fitted with engines from the OM 470, OM 471, OM 936 and OM 934 series meeting the Euro VI emissions standard may be operated with HVO from February 2016,” the company stated. “This decision applies to all engine variants whatever their output category.”

The OM 470 and OM 471 models are heavy-duty engines while the OM 936 and OM 934 engines are classified as medium duty.

The company stated it established the acceptability of HVO for use in its engines through comprehensive testing. “Since the characteristics of HVO mean that it is absolutely comparable to conventionally produced petroleum-based diesel fuel, no modifications to the engines or their peripherals are necessary,” Mercedes-Benz Trucks stated. “The injection process, fuel lines and seals remain unchanged. The same is also true of the intervals for oil changes and for cleaning the particulate filter, while there is also no restriction in terms of warranty and goodwill policy. Engine performance and torque data also remain the same when HVO is used.”

The approval, according to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, applies to all fuels that comply with the prEN 15940 standard.