As of: March 19, 2024, 5:32 a.m
By: Bettina Menzel, Julia Hanigk
Comments
Press
Split
The future of fuels is called XTL and diesel B10.
But consumers should consider a few things before filling up.
Munich - At the end of 2023, the Federal Cabinet decided to approve diesel fuel that may consist of 100 percent used cooking oil.
From April 2024 it will also be available at gas stations with the names XLT, HVO, B10.
The new biofuels are intended to contribute to the goal that Germany wants to be climate neutral by 2045.
But diesel is not compatible with every vehicle.
XTL, B10 and HVO – What do the abbreviations of the new diesel substances mean?
According to the Federal Environment Ministry's forecasts, around five percent of the more than 14,500 gas stations in Germany should be able to offer at least one of the new fuels from next spring.
The designations “XTL” and “Diesel B10” could be found on the gas pumps as early as April.
But what is behind these names?
XTL is an abbreviation for “X to Liquid”, where the X stands for various raw materials that are converted into liquid energy carriers.
These can consist of different raw materials such as natural gas, biomass or coal.
Biofuels can, for example, be produced from renewable raw materials such as barley, rapeseed and sugar cane, but also from waste materials such as manure or used cooking oils.
Another paraffinic diesel is the HVO type, which stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils.
In its pure form, this fuel is called HVO100 or CARE.
If it is mixed with diesel fuel, the mixture obtained is Diesel R33.
Another type of diesel is diesel B10, which contains up to ten percent biodiesel.
Sources: ADAC, Federal Ministry of Transport
Better for the environment: This makes the fuels organic options
But what makes these new fuels so “organic”?
Although the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) is also released when the more environmentally friendly versions are burned, it is sometimes less than with conventional diesel.
The key difference to conventional types of diesel is the closed CO₂ cycle: When HVO is produced, carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere through plant growth.
The CO₂ balance is therefore considered balanced.
The advantage of XTLs is that waste materials can also be used to generate energy, which reduces environmental impact.
New, more environmentally friendly fuels are coming onto the market.
© Herrmann Agency Photography/IMAGO
Nevertheless: In order to achieve the climate protection goals in transport, the contribution of the alternative fuels XTL, B10 and Co. is not enough.
According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, this is not possible “without a reduction in the enormous fuel requirements”.
“Energy-efficient electromobility offers a decisive advantage here,” emphasizes the ministry.
My news
Putin's miracle weapon: Which plane Russia supposedly wants to use to fight the Taurus read
“Stunned after all the rumors”: Princess Kate surprises with public appearance
Up to 30 centimeters: Where it's supposed to snow a lot on the weekend read
A four-year-old has a tumor in his head – parents ask for help reading
Lidl cream stands out as a luxury brand: L'Oréal fiasco at Stiftung Warentest – read “also a deceptive package”.
NATO is planning a gigantic air base in Romania to defend against Putin's Russia reading
New fuels are not suitable for all cars
Vehicle owners should only fill up with B10 or XTL if the vehicle manufacturer has given approval for this.
The ADAC advises: If you are unsure, it is better to stick with B7 instead of filling up with B10.
“Which type of diesel can be used in a vehicle can be found on the tank cap, in the operating instructions or can be asked from the manufacturer,” says the federal government.
Approval is only available for a few models of the following car brands:
BMW (complete diesel fleet)
Citroën/Peugeot/Opel
Nissan
Renault/Dacia
Seat/Cupra
Skoda
Toyota
Volvo
Volkswagen
There have also been new labels at gas stations in Italy since last summer.
The signs indicate the “Prezzo medio”.
A typo, meanwhile, triggered a rush to a gas station in Austria.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.