At a time when electrification dominates the long -term Roadmap from BMW, the company did not complete the book fully for combustion. During a recent conversation with Bernd Körber, head of the BMW product management, we asked about the role of alternative fuels such as HVO100 and synthetic fuels when extending the lifespan of combustion engines. His answer showed that the willingness of BMW and the regulatory uncertainties that will ultimately decide their future.
Körber: Regulation will be the decisive factor
“HVO100 is definitely something that we are still pursuing,” Körber confirmed when he was asked whether the fuel remains on the BMW radar. “But the main prerequisite is counted from the perspective of fleet consumption. Because you have to go backwards and ask, is it considered part of your fuel consumption?
In short, BMW can adapt its engines for HVO100, but the business case may have to be revised without regulatory loan. Car manufacturers in Europe are assessed on the emissions emissions, not according to the upstream carbon savings of renewable fuels, so that little incentive for these solutions is promoted unless the governments shift their attitude.
Why HVO100 is important
Hydrot -cleaned vegetable oil (HVO100) is a renewable, paraffinic diesel alternative of waste fats and vegetable oils. It can reduce life cycle-CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and already acts as a drop-in solution for compatible BMW diesel engines in markets on which it is available. Several European countries in one of Sweden and the Netherlands have started to promote the infrastructure and create an opportunity for short-term CO₂ reduction without requiring new vehicle designs.
BMW to Factory-Fill diesel cars with HVO100 from 2025
BMW has already taken a specific step: From January 1, 2025, all new diesel cars produced in Germany will operate the factory with HVO100 instead of fossil diesel. CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed the move in an interview with BILD and presented it as part of BMW’s wider sustainability roadmap. This ensures that the first experience of customers with their new cars has compatibility with renewable fuels and at the same time signals the willingness of BMW, scaling if regulations support this.
The movement applies to the modular B-family diesel engines from BMW-B37 (3-cylinder), B47 (4-cylinder) and B57 (6-cylinder)-All correspond to the EN 15940 standard, the paraffinic fuels such as HVO100 certified. The list of compatible models is huge and extends from the 1 series 114D to the 840d XDRIVE 8 Series 840D and includes SUVs such as X5, X6 and X7. According to the official FAQs from BMW, customers can refuel either with HVO100 or conventional diesel without making mechanical changes.
Synthetic fuels stay on the horizon
BMW also observes the development of e-fuel, which are produced from renewable electricity, composed CO₂ and hydrogen. While Porsche has strongly invested in this room, BMW is more careful and views it as part of a potential multi-pathway approach. Here too, the decisive factor is costs and regulatory recognition. Without credit for CO₂ goals, there is a risk that synthetic fuels will become a boutique solution rather than a mainstream rescue line for internal combustion engines.
Prepared, but wait
Körber’s comments underline an important truth: BMW is technically ready for alternative fuels, but only moves aggressively when the regulatory framework supports it. “Depending on how the circumstances develop, we would have built it,” he added.
This means that the fate of HVO100 – and the ice duration – depends less on engineering and more about politics. If you are recognized in fleet emissions, renewable fuels can buy time for combustion companies in markets in markets in which the EV launch is slower. If not, the electrification remains the only sustainable path forward.
