RAC Trials HVO to Cut Emissions

  • The RAC is trialling 100% renewable HVO to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85% in its recovery truck fleet.
  • The partnership with Certas Energy aims to save up to 300,000kg of CO2 annually.
  • HVO provides a sustainable, immediate alternative to diesel as the transport sector transitions to electric vehicles.

The RAC is trialling 100% renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel for its recovery trucks. The trial takes place at the RAC’s headquarters in Walsall, UK. Seven recovery trucks will run on HVO, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by up to 85%.

HVO comes from renewable raw materials and waste, including vegetable fats and oils. The RAC has partnered with Certas Energy, the UK’s largest fuel distributor, to supply HVO suitable for both on- and off-road vehicles.

Fleet Manager Matt Hilliar said, “This is an exciting project. It will bring both environmental and business benefits. If the trial continues to show positive results, we will expand the use of HVO in our fleet.”

The trial will save up to 300,000kg of CO2 annually, significantly reducing the RAC’s environmental footprint. HVO serves as a more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel.

Steve Little, Managing Director at Certas Energy, added, “This partnership with the RAC marks a key step in reducing carbon emissions in the UK’s roadside assistance fleet. Transitioning to HVO offers a short- and medium-term solution for reducing emissions while the transport sector moves toward electric vehicles.”

Little also highlighted the growing demand for renewable diesel. He said, “In the past two years, we’ve seen a rise in market demand for renewable fuels. Our collaboration with the RAC shows how HVO can play a vital role in the UK’s journey to net zero.”

The RAC hopes the trial will lead to broader adoption of HVO in its operations. This move supports the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. By using HVO, the RAC demonstrates the potential of renewable fuels to provide cleaner, greener transport options.

HVO represents a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, and it can run on existing diesel engines without significant modifications. The RAC’s fleet trial is part of the company’s broader efforts to explore greener technologies and solutions. The RAC will assess the fuel’s performance and environmental impact as the trial progresses. If successful, HVO could become a central part of the RAC’s fleet operations.

The partnership with Certas Energy is part of a broader effort within the UK’s transport sector to meet net-zero targets. As demand for renewable fuels grows, companies like Certas will be key in supplying sustainable energy solutions nationwide.

The RAC’s trial shows how the transport sector can reduce emissions in the short term. While long-term solutions like electric vehicles remain essential, HVO offers a practical alternative for immediate emission reductions. The RAC’s adoption of renewable fuel marks a positive step toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system in the UK.

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