Brits are being encouraged to check their car’s fuel cap for a three-letter symbol that shows whether their motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car – but also the planet
UK motorists are only just discovering what a common three-letter symbol on your car’s fuel cap actually means.
The next time you go to fill up your vehicle, check for a capitalised abbreviation found near the fuel cap, which will show whether your motor is ready to use a type of diesel that not only protects your car, but also the planet. This initialism, which is steadily becoming more common on vehicles, means they are compatible with a much more eco-friendly energy source called paraffinic diesel — clean, synthetic fuel characterised by its high purity, near-zero sulphur and very low aromatic content.
Across Europe, compatibility with such fuels is signified by the letters “XTL”. Demand for renewable diesel — also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and R99 — has been increasing in recent years, with major investments in the renewable diesel supply chain enabling broader access for businesses.
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Among the manufacturers leading the charge with this greener tech is Škoda — many of the company’s diesel models use HVO, which can reduce CO₂ emissions across the fuel and vehicle lifecycle by up to 90 per cent. Tests have shown HVO can be used without any issues in most Škoda diesel cars manufactured from 2015 onwards.
Martin Řepka from the Škoda Auto Technical Development team said: “The key is how the fuel is made. HVO diesel is mostly produced from used cooking oils and waste vegetable oils. These plants absorbed CO₂ from the atmosphere by photosynthesis while growing, and that same CO₂ is released again when the fuel is burned.”
Cars that can use HVO have a label inside the fuel tank cover or around the filler neck itself. It will say both B7 (standard diesel) and XTL. If you see XTL, you’re good to go — you can fill up with HVO without worry. XTL stands for X-to-Liquid — a synthetic diesel that meets the EN15940 standard for paraffinic fuels.
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These can be made in several ways: BTL (biomass-to-liquid) from biomass, GTL (gas-to-liquid) from natural gas or biogas, and PTL (power-to-liquid) from CO₂ and water using renewable electricity. Emphasising the fuel’s trouble-free nature, Martin from Škoda said: “Technical difficulties, such as degradation of rubber seals or fuel system components do not occur when using HVO, unlike ethanol-based fuels.”
He added: “According to tests, HVO can last in the tank for more than 10 years without degrading and does not damage the fuel system in any way.” This makes HVO an excellent choice for long-term storage.
Advantages of HVO compared to regular diesel:
- Its high cetane number means more efficient combustion.
- Reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent.
- Produces fewer harmful emissions, especially particles which then reduces the frequency of particulate filter regeneration.
- Reduces engine buildup and deposits.
- Can be stored in the tank for up to 10 years without any signs of degradation.
- Doesn’t absorb moisture from the air.
So if your vehicle has the XTL label, you can most probably use renewable diesel. However, it is always advisable to check your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s compatible with all equipment and warranties.
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