New Volkswagen diesels can run significantly cleaner on biofuels

Volkswagen has announced that its latest generation of diesel engines are able to run on far cleaner paraffinic fuels.

The German marque has received approval that any of its four-cylinder diesel models – including the likes of the Golf, Tiguan and Passat, are able to run on the biofuels, in accordance with the European standards.

Paraffinic fuels are made up of biological components that reduce the reliance on harmful fossil fuels – one example being hydrotreated vegetable oil, which can be converted into hydrocarbons by a reaction with hydrogen, and then added to regular diesel in a variety of quantities. 

There’s already a range of fuels like this on the market, but Volkswagen expects this to increase significantly over the years as a way of ensuring standard diesel cars can remain on the road for longer with minimal environmental impact. 

The German firm says it expects these biofuels to make up a 30 per cent share in the next 10 years, while having the potential to reduce carbon dioxide pollution by up to 95 per cent. 

Thomas Garbe, head of petrol and diesel fuels at Volkswagen, said: “Through the use of environmentally friendly fuels in the approved Volkswagen models, we are making it possible for customers throughout Europe to significantly reduce their CO2 emissions as soon as the fuel is locally available.

“For example, the use of paraffinic fuels is a sensible additional option particularly for companies with a mixed fleet made up of models with electric and conventional drives.”

While Volkswagen is ramping up its EV range – and expects electric models to make up  a 70 per cent share of its European sales by 2030 – the firm will continue developing its petrol and diesel engines, reducing emissions and improving efficiency all the time.