Kohler Engines approves use of HVO for diesel engines
Kohler Engines said it will be using hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) in all its diesel engines. The approval came after intensive laboratory and on-the-field testing by Kohler’s engineering team.

The group’s diesel engines do not require any kind of modification or specific upgrade to use HVO. However, the use of exhaust gas after-treatment systems will still be necessary where already required.

HVO is a renewable paraffinic fuel also known under the names "synthetic diesel” and “renewable diesel”. It is produced with plant or animal oils derived from the residues of the meat and fish industries. Since it is obtained from organic material, HVO – unlike biodiesel – does not use agricultural resources or contributes to deforestation. It can be used wherever diesel fuel is used today.

A reduction in overall CO2 emissions of up to 90 per cent can be obtained depending on the raw material employed in HVO production. Compared to most conventional diesel fuels, HVO has an exceptionally low sulphur content and its use leads to lower vehicle exhaust emissions.

HVO fuel can be distributed, handled, and stored just like any conventional fuel. Pure or blended, it can be used in any Kohler engine, whether liquid-cooled from the KDI and KDW lines or air-cooled from the KD line.

“We are witnessing growing interest from customers for use of synthetic fuel (HVO) and other renewable fuels. eFuels are especially interesting, not only for their positive environmental impact but also because they reach performance levels comparable to diesel fuels,” stated Luigi Arnone, senior manager of diesel engine engineering at Kohler, adding that "HVO is a stable fuel that doesn’t require any engine modifications or additional maintenance.”