Research on renewable fuels

There is currently no single source of energy that can replace oil. Instead, we are now seeing the development of a wide range of fuel alternatives and drive systems that are each suitable for different purposes. The Volvo Group believes that it will not be one renewable fuel that will globally replace oil. We believe that diffrent regional solutions will be used based on the region's prerequisites. Since we know that biomass will be a limited resource, it is very important to choose the most energy efficient alternative from a well-to-wheel perspective.

Seven criteria
The Volvo Group has conducted research on renewable fuel assessed from seven aspects from a well-to-wheel perspective. All seven renewable fuels have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from transports, but they also have their advantages and disadvantages.

Short term
In the short term, the best solution is to mix currently available renewable fuels with today's fossil fuels. Renewable fuels are one part of the solution moving towards a sustainable society.

The seven aspects used in the assessment of various fuels from a sustainability perspective for internal combustion engines:

Climate impact - reduction of carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional diesel from a well-to-wheel perspective
Energy efficiency - the fuel's efficiency ratio
Land use efficiency - driving distance per hectare/year
Fuel potential - efficiency in the manufacturing process and final use
Vehicle adjustment - how technically complex is the adjustment process required to match the fuel
Fuel cost - production cost for the fuel from raw material to the fuel tank
Fuel infrastructure - management and distribution of the fuel