From spring 2024, drivers will have to pay attention, as filling stations will be offering new fuels. In addition to XTL diesel, B10 diesel is also introduced. Research into synthetic fuels to reduce climate-damaging CO2 emissions has been going on for a long time. Because even with the end of the combustion engine in 2035, existing vehicles will still need fuel, and this should be free of fossil fuels. The new fuels are a further step towards lower-emission mobility. But what is hidden behind the abbreviations and what do company car drivers need to be aware of? We explain this in this article.
Why will there be new fuels in 2024?
Internal combustion vehicles are responsible for a large proportion of environmentally harmful emissions. To curb this further, the Federal Cabinet has now paved the way for new types of fuel.
In principle, the 10th BImSchV (Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act) regulates the properties of fuel and ensures its quality with regard to environmental protection and consumer safety. With the amendment to the regulation, filling stations will also be allowed to offer paraffinic diesel fuels (XTL) as pure fuel in future. These can then consist of 100% used cooking oils. Previously, a maximum blend of 26% was permitted with fossil diesel.
At the same time, diesel fuels that use natural gas (GTL) as a feedstock are permitted. The Federal Council still has to approve the amendment. The new fuels are expected to be available from April 2024.
What is XTL Diesel?
One of the new fuels, which will be available at filling stations from spring 2024, is marked with the abbreviation XTL. This is a collective term for synthetic fuels that are produced from various raw materials. The acronym XTL stands for Anything to Liquid. In this case, the X means that any raw material can be used as a starting material for conversion into a liquid energy source. XTL fuels therefore do not require fossil fuels.
The resulting end products are also known as paraffinic diesel. Depending on the production method, a distinction is made between paraffinic diesel made from hydrogenated vegetable oils and synthetic Fischer-Tropsch fuels.
What does HVO mean?
Paraffinic diesel made from hydrogenated vegetable oil has the abbreviation HVO, short for Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. Residual and waste materials from the food industry and used cooking fats and oils are used as raw materials. During production, hydrogen is added to the starting material and then converted into hydrocarbon under high pressure – and with the help of a catalyst.
HVO is virtually free of sulphur and during production and combustion up to up to 90 % less nitrogen oxides is released than with conventional diesel. In addition, the fuel can be used in most modern diesel engines without the need for conversion.
What is Diesel B10?
Diesel B10 is a diesel fuel that contains up to 10 % biodiesel. The remaining 90 % consists of conventional diesel fuel. Until now, the admixture of biodiesel was limited to a maximum of 7%. Diesel B7 will continue to be available at German filling stations.
However, not all vehicles may be refueled with B10. Manufacturers must have previously issued a model-specific approval for the use of Diesel B10. Drivers should therefore always check whether they are allowed to fill up with the fuel.
What is the difference between HVO and biodiesel?
Both HVO and biodiesel play an important role in the transition phase to more sustainable fuel alternatives. However, they should not be confused, as there are numerous differences between the two fuels:
Biodiesel
- Plants such as rapeseed or soy are grown specifically for production and are only processed in parts (flower or fruit)
- Not cold-resistant, as gel formation occurs at low temperatures
- Prolonged storage can lead to a loss of quality, as the fuel absorbs water and microbial growth can occur.
HVO Diesel
- Biological residues and waste materials are used as raw materials and are fully processed
- No agricultural land needs to be used for production
- Good cold stability
- Due to the limited availability of the raw material and the complex production process, HVO is more expensive than biodiesel
- Virtually odorless
What other types of synthetic fuels are there?
Synthetic fuels can be obtained from a variety of raw materials. The most common varieties include:
- GTL (gas-to-liquid): Natural gas is used as a raw material for production, from which synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) is first produced during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and then converted into liquid hydrocarbons.
- BTL (biomass-to-liquid): This uses biomass such as biowaste or straw as the starting material. Although the production is more complex than that of fuels based on vegetable oils, the entire biomass can be used and not just parts of it.
- CTL (Coal-to-Liquid): Coal is used as the raw material. However, the production of CTL fuels is very CO2-intensive, as both the production process itself and the combustion of the end product lead to high greenhouse gas emissions.
- PTL (Power-to-Liquid) / E-Fuels: This category includes fuels that are produced using electricity, ideally from renewable energies. The manufacturing process involves the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, which is then converted into liquid fuels using CO2 (from the atmosphere or industrial sources).
