XTL diesel fuel

There is a broad range of XTL fuels. The fuel can be produced from the following raw materials or using the following processes:

• HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oils)
• Biomass (BtL: Biomass-to-Liquid)
• Air and electricity (PtL: Power-to-Liquid)
• Natural gas (GtL: Gas-to-Liquid; the combustion of fossil gas releases bound CO₂)

HVO stands for “hydrotreated vegetable oils”. This fuel is a new, high-quality fuel and the sale of it has been permitted in Ireland since at least 2021.

HVO is produced from biological residues and waste materials. Vegetable oils are converted into hydrocarbons through a reaction with hydrogen and then added to diesel fuel in any desired ratio. The composition can therefore vary depending on the country and provider. However, they can also be used in pure form (100% HVO). Although vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil can also be used to produce HVO, the maximum environmental effect only becomes apparent when biological residues and waste materials such as used cooking oil or sawdust are used.

Both types are alternative and sustainable fuels.

The main difference between HVO and the collective term “e-fuels” (formally referred to as RFNBO, renewable fuels of non-biological origin) lies in the production process and the raw materials used. While HVO is produced from existing animal or vegetable oils, e-fuels are produced from renewable electricity, water and CO₂. The collective term “e-fuels” covers all types of fuel that are produced synthetically using renewable energies. HVO has a good energy balance as it is produced from renewable raw materials. However, it depends heavily on the origin and cultivation method of the raw materials. The energy balance of e-fuels is usually somewhat less favourable than that of HVO because a large portion of the energy is lost during the production process. Nevertheless, they have the advantage of being CO₂-neutral if the CO₂ comes from the atmosphere.

B7 diesel (according to the European standard EN 590) is mainly produced from fossil crude oil. The use of crude oil releases CO₂ that has already been bound.

Up to 7% biodiesel (FAME, fatty acid methyl ester) is added to this fossil fuel. The methyl ester is largely obtained from rapeseed (RME).

According to the European standard EN 15940, synthetic, paraffinic fuels can be obtained from different raw materials (residual materials, vegetable oils, CO₂ from the atmosphere, etc.) and through different production processes.

Compared to B7 diesel, XTL fuel has the benefit that many properties have been improved, such as ignitability, flashpoint or the amount of foreign matter.

XTL fuels largely exceed the minimum requirements of EN 590, with the exception of the specific density. This is slightly lower than that of B7 fuel. Therefore, XTL fuel cannot be assigned to the EN 590 standard.

XTL can only be used in vehicles that have been specifically approved by the manufacturer. The fuels are compatible with these vehicles without any restrictions.

The diesel engines must be suitable for the use of paraffinic diesel fuels. All Volkswagen models that have been delivered with a 4-cylinder diesel engine since the end of June 2021 can be refuelled with paraffinic fuels. An additional extension of use has already been granted for some engines from model year 2020 onwards. Older existing engines on the market are currently being successively approved.

You can tell whether your vehicle is suitable for XTL by the “XTL” sticker on the fuel filler flap of your vehicle. If an additional extension of use has been granted, you will find an insert in your owner’s manual. Otherwise, please make an appointment with your Volkswagen Retailer. They will check your car and if the engine is suitable for XTL, the approval will be saved in the system. You will receive an official confirmation for the owner’s manual as well as the sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap. The digital owner’s manual can also provide information.

Find your Volkswagen Retailer

You can recognise the fuel by a noticeable “XTL” sticker directly on the fuel pump and nozzle. In addition, many providers offer the product under commercial names such as HVO, HVO100 or Klimadiesel100. You can also find a reference to the standard of the fuel – EN 15940 – at the pump.

XTL fuels can be mixed with conventional B7 diesel. However, due to the lower density of the paraffinic fuel, there may be a volumetric increase in consumption in the low percentage range.