Ford Highlights Renewable Diesel Fleet Alternative
03rd August 2026
Ford Australia is highlighting renewable diesel as an immediate emissions-reduction option for fleet operators unable to transition their operations entirely to electric or hybrid vehicles.
Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, can already be used in several Ford models, including Next-Gen Ranger and Everest from Model Year 2022, Transit and Transit Custom from Model Year 19.75 with Euro 6.2 emissions, and the new Ranger Super Duty. Ford Pro Australia general manager Michael Elias said electrification was attracting growing interest as businesses faced fluctuating fuel costs and environmental targets, but acknowledged electric vehicles were not yet suitable for every fleet application.HVO provides an alternative because compatible vehicles can use it without modifications to engines, fuel tanks or filters. It can also be blended with conventional diesel in any proportion or used entirely as HVO100.
Produced from waste materials including used cooking oils, animal fats and agricultural waste, HVO is a second-generation renewable diesel. Ford says it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional diesel, particularly when produced from recycled raw materials. Melbourne Airport has already demonstrated the potential application for large fleets. The airport began testing HVO in Ford Rangers, Everests and Transits during 2025, working withFord engineers to monitor vehicle performance. Following the trial, Melbourne Airport transitioned its entire Ford diesel fleet to HVO and planned installation of a 30,000-litre onsite HVO tank and bowser.
Chris White, who oversees Melbourne Airport’s fleet fuelling requirements, said electrifying the entire fleet would have required significant investment in charging infrastructure."Using renewable diesel is so much easier; there’s no new infrastructure required, just swapping diesel for HVO in the onsite tank,” White said.
“We now run all our Fords and industrial equipment with HVO – it’s brilliant.”
HVO also offers advantages for equipment that can remain unused for extended periods, with Ford citing a shelf life of up to 10 years. The trade-off is price. Melbourne Airport currently pays approximately 50 to 70 cents per litre more for HVO than conventional diesel delivered onsite.
While HVO is not yet available at local service stations, Ford argues it provides businesses with existing onsite fuel facilities an opportunity to reduce fleet emissions without immediately replacing diesel vehicles.
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