Ford’s new alternative fuel: veggie power

Ford has become the latest vehicle manufacturer to do its bit for air quality – this time by using renewable diesel fuel in some of its vehicles.
By Ben Spencer February 7, 2020 Read time: 1 min
Ford looks to power transit vans with hydrotreated vegetable oil (© StudioPlum | Dreamstime.com)

The company has approved the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) - based on waste oils, including cooking oil that can be sourced from restaurants, takeaways and home kitchens - in its Transit vans.

Hans Schep, general manager, commercial vehicles at Ford of Europe, says: “Enabling our vans to run on fuel made from waste, including used cooking oil, may sound far-fetched but using HVO is, in fact, a very real way in which Transit drivers and fleet operators will soon be able to help everybody enjoy improved air quality.”

HVO emits less nitrogen dioxide and particles than other diesel vehicles because it contains no sulphur or oxygen, the company adds.

Ford tested HVO in its 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine to ensure no modifications would be needed or servicing would not be affected.

HVO is currently available at selected fuel stations in Scandinavia and the Baltic states in a pure form or as a blend with regular diesel.

Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Ford targets fully autonomous vehicle in 2021
    August 17, 2016
    Ford has announced its intention to have a high-volume, fully autonomous vehicle in commercial operation in 2021. The new vehicle will be a Society of Automotive Engineers-rated level 4-capable vehicle without a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. It is being specifically designed for commercial mobility services, such as ride sharing and ride hailing, and will be available in high volumes. SAE level 4 is one level below full automation and is defined as ‘mode-specific performance by an automated
    Read More
  • Debating the future development of ANPR
    July 31, 2012
    What future is there for automatic number plate recognition? Will it be supplanted by electronic vehicle identification, or will continuing development maintain the technology's relevance? In recent years, digitisation and IP-based communication networks have allowed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to achieve ever-greater utility and a commensurate increase in deployments. But where does the technology go next - indeed, does it have a future in the face of the increasing use of, for instance, Dedi
    Read More
  • GE opens innovation centre for alternative fuel vehicles and solutions
    June 1, 2012
    GE Capital Fleet Services has announced the opening of its Vehicle Innovation Centre, to provide businesses, industry groups and researchers with first-hand experience of alternative fuel vehicles and enabling GE technologies. Showcasing the latest in a growing array of alternative fuel vehicles in electric, natural gas, propane, hydrogen and other formats, the centre gives GE’s commercial customers the opportunity to learn about and test drive numerous alternative fuel cars and trucks in a single location
    Read More
  • What does 2023 have in store for ITS?
    December 30, 2022
    From VRUs to EVs, from customer experience to connected vehicles, here are some thoughts...
    Read More

Highlighted Content