As Europe accelerates its shift toward a greener future, owners of older diesel vehicles are growing increasingly anxious. With the EU’s ambitious goal to phase out internal combustion engines within the next decade, many fear their fully functional cars—especially Euro 5 diesel models—could soon be banned from the roads. But a legal, eco-friendly solution may offer a lifeline: HVO 100, a next-generation biofuel.

Brussels’ Green Ambitions Hit Reality Check

The European Union has made no secret of its desire to transition to zero-emission vehicles. Originally, lawmakers pushed for a full ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars by 2035. But the practical limitations of this vision are becoming clearer. Electric vehicle infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many regions, and the affordability of EVs is still a major hurdle for average consumers.

As a result, the EU has softened its stance, now signaling that plug-in hybrids and potentially even synthetic fuels and hydrogen technologies will remain part of the mix. Still, diesel engines—especially older ones—are firmly in regulators’ crosshairs.

The Dilemma for Diesel Drivers

Euro 6 diesel engines, equipped with advanced emissions controls, are relatively safe under current regulations. But millions of Euro 5 vehicles, despite being mechanically sound, may soon fall foul of new emissions laws. For many drivers, upgrading to a low-emission vehicle is financially out of reach, with new car prices—especially electrics—continuing to rise. Gone are the days of affordable entry-level models like the €6,000 Dacia.

Yet, there is a glimmer of hope for owners of older diesel cars: HVO 100, a hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel that offers drastically reduced emissions while requiring no engine modifications.

HVO 100: The Legal Loophole

Derived from used cooking oils and plant-based fats, HVO 100 mimics the chemical structure of traditional diesel, but with significantly cleaner combustion. Through hydrogen treatment during production, HVO 100 reduces harmful pollutants such as particulates, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur compounds.

Better still, many modern diesel engines are already compatible with HVO 100, and some drivers report benefits like improved cold starts, reduced exhaust odor, and even enhanced engine performance. Most importantly, vehicles running on HVO 100 tend to pass emission tests more easily, thanks to their lower output of pollutants.

The Roadblocks Ahead

Despite its promise, HVO 100 faces two major obstacles. First is availability—the fuel is not yet widespread across Europe, with distribution currently limited to select countries and refueling stations. Second is cost—HVO 100 is about 10–15% more expensive than standard diesel, a premium many consumers may hesitate to pay, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.

Nonetheless, as regulations tighten and pressure mounts on older diesel vehicles, the incentive to switch to cleaner alternatives like HVO 100 is growing. For now, this biofuel remains a viable and legal way for hundreds of thousands of diesel car owners to stay on the road without falling foul of the EU’s green agenda.

In a landscape where internal combustion engines are gradually being pushed out, HVO 100 might just be the bridge fuel that keeps Europe moving—and breathing a little easier.

Source: Automotive News; Photo: ADAC