As the bus and coach industry continues its journey towards net zero, operators are increasingly seeking solutions that deliver immediate environmental benefits without disrupting day-to-day operations.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is emerging as an alternative to traditional diesel, offering a simple, effective way to significantly reduce emissions across existing fleets.
What is HVO?
HVO is a renewable diesel fuel produced from waste and residual vegetable oils, such as used cooking oil.
Through hydrotreatment processes, these materials are converted into a high-quality, clean-burning fuel that serves as a direct replacement for conventional diesel.
For bus and coach operators, one of the biggest advantages is that HVO can be used in many existing diesel vehicles without needing engine modifications or additional infrastructure.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 90% reduction in lifecycle CO₂ emissions
- Lower NOx and particulate emissions, supporting improved air quality
- A “drop-in” fuel requiring no vehicle or depot changes
- Reliable performance across long distances and varied routes
- Reduced engine deposits thanks to cleaner combustion
This makes HVO particularly suited to high-utilisation vehicles such as buses and coaches, where downtime and operational changes can be costly.
While electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles continue to evolve, they are not yet a one-size-fits-all solution for every route or operation, particularly in rural or long-distance coach applications.
HVO offers a ready-to-deploy alternative that allows operators to take meaningful immediate action, reducing emissions across their fleet while planning for longer-term transitions.
Case Study: Supporting Highland Council with HVO Adoption
We recently supported Highland Council by supplying an Alexander Dennis E400, helping to enhance their fleet with a more sustainable solution.
Following successful fuel trials, the vehicle is now operating on HVO, enabling the Council to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the reliability required for public service operations.
By transitioning to HVO, Highland Council has been able to:
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions without replacing existing vehicles
- Maintain operational efficiency across a demanding and varied network
- Take a proactive step towards achieving its environmental and net-zero targets
This project highlights how local authorities and operators can implement immediate, impactful change through alternative fuels.
Alexander Dennis E400 for the Highland Council ran on HVO.
For bus and coach operators looking to reduce emissions now, HVO represents a practical and proven solution.
By integrating renewable fuels into existing fleets, the industry can continue to deliver essential transport services while taking confident steps towards a more sustainable future.
