As part of its drive for a low-carbon transition, Skoda has officially launched HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) synthetic diesel fuel at its Czech plant as an initial filler fuel for new production diesel models and for its in-house logistics fleet.The HVO fuel, which is made from the hydrotreating of waste fats, oils, and used cooking oils, is not reliant on crop cultivation, avoids the need to use arable land, and cuts carbon emissions by as much as 90% compared to conventional diesel fuel. The fuel is supplied by the Czech state-owned company ČEPRO.
Not only that, but all 2022 model year and newer Skoda diesel models produced from the 25th week of 2021 have been approved to use HVO fuel. Compliant models will be marked with the ‘XTL’ logo on the fuel cap. For older models, customers can check with an authorized Skoda dealer to confirm compatibility. HVO and its blends are now widely available across Europe, offering consumers a more environmentally friendly choice.
According to Karsten Schnake, Skoda’s Director of Purchasing and Sustainability, the Czech plant’s logistics fleet will use approximately 46,000 liters of HVO fuel in the second half of 2024 alone, a reduction of more than 300 tons of carbon emissions, which is a key part of Skoda’s plan to make all of its plants in the Czech Republic and India carbon-neutral operations by 2030.
By doing so, Skoda not only strengthens its position as an industry leader in green manufacturing, but also sets a practical example for the decarbonization of the automotive industry as a whole.
