Skoda Ireland and fuel supplier Certa have teamed up to promote the use of HVO fuel in diesel-powered cars.
HVO is hydrogenated vegetable oil, made from waste cooking oil. According to Certa: "It is produced using waste plant-matter and hydrogen, which means it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere and can result in a 90 per cent net reduction in CO2 emissions. HVO is distinguished at fuel pumps through the use of a pink nozzle, which stands out from the black diesel and green petrol ones."
New models still arriving with diesel options
Skoda, which still sells a number of key models with diesel power, including the likes of the new Kodiaq SUV and the just-shown updated Octavia saloon and estate, has joined forces with Certa to promote the use of the pink pump.
For any diesel-engined Skoda model bought in the month of March, Skoda Ireland will give owners a Certa HVO voucher of either €250 or €500, depending on the model of car purchased.
At the moment, you can buy HVO fuel from Certa forecourts in Liffey Valley in Dublin, Lee Tunnel in Cork and Trim in Meath, but the plan is to have seven more HVO forecourts ready by the end of this year and to eventually have all 41 of Certa's nationwide locations ready to pump HVO fuel.
Not just Skoda owners
John Donegan, Brand Director at Skoda Ireland, said: "We are excited to partner with Certa on this campaign, which aims to encourage existing owners or buyers of new diesel cars to use HVO as an alternative to diesel. At Skoda, we recognise the importance of switching to electric cars, but we also recognise that many buyers are still choosing diesel models for a variety of reasons. They may not have access to a home charger, for example, or they may want a car with an extensive range. For these motorists, it makes sense to switch to HVO as the fuel becomes more widely available. We believe diesel car owners will consider this switch if they are made aware of the benefits of HVO and we hope our promotional and marketing campaign will increase awareness among not just Skoda owners, but all owners of diesel cars."
Skoda Ireland has added an online vehicle checker to its website so that you can make sure that your car is HVO-friendly before putting any in your tank. Most modern diesel cars will run HVO without any trouble, but owners are advised to check and make certain before trying the fuel.
Andrew Graham, Managing Director of Certa, said: "We are delighted to work with Skoda on this campaign. At Certa, our goal is to make it easy for motorists to transition to HVO as a renewable alternative to diesel. HVO's benefits are well established, so we believe drivers of diesel cars will switch to HVO if they are encouraged to do so and if they understand that it works as a drop-in replacement without the need for modifications. By switching to HVO, these motorists will reduce their own carbon footprint, but they will also help to lower the emissions of the country's transport sector. Most modern diesel cars are HVO-ready, but we would advise all owners to check with the manufacturer of their car to make sure this is the case. Once this is confirmed, all they have to do is fill up their car using our HVO pumps, which we are now installing alongside existing petrol and diesel pumps at a growing number of our forecourts. As part of the campaign, we have announced our plans to widen the availability of HVO by increasing the number of HVO-ready forecourts from three to ten by year end. As it is a new fuel, HVO is usually sold at a slightly higher price than diesel. This is a small price to pay given the benefits, but at Certa we are currently matching the price of HVO to the price of diesel."
HVO to be a transition fuel
Diesel car sales have fallen dramatically from their peak in the Irish car market but still hold a significant sales slice. From a high of 75 per cent market share, diesel sales fell to 22 per cent of the Irish car market in 2022, but there was an uptick in diesel sales early in 2024. Skoda Ireland says that it currently holds a 22 per cent market share of those existing diesel sales and that it is "Acutely aware that sales of diesel and petrol-powered cars are scheduled to end in 2035 and that pure electric cars are now clearly the best and most sustainable option for new car buyers. The brand already sells hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as two electric-only models, with plans to offer six electric-only models by 2026. Skoda, however, also recognises the status and potentially important role of HVO as a transition fuel and a cleaner alternative to diesel and, as such, is seeking to encourage both existing owners of diesel cars and any buyers of new diesel cars to consider HVO as an alternative."