BMW tests HVO fuel in European fleet

Between 2025 and 2026, BMW Group tested over 600 BMW and MINI diesel vehicles using HVO fuel in Germany, Italy, and Spain as part of the VEEF program. This initiative aimed to explore alternative paths for internal combustion engines in response to the European Union's proposed 2035 ban on new internal combustion engines.

VEEF concept defined

The VEEF concept refers to Vehicles Exclusively running on Eligible Fuels, which are internal combustion vehicles that operate only with fuels considered eligible. These vehicles could potentially be classified as emitting 0 g of CO2 per kilometer if their use of eligible fuels is continuously proven.

HVO testing details

More than 600 BMW and MINI diesel models ran on HVO for twelve months in four European countries, with each refueling subject to tight digital monitoring. Over 5,500 refuelings were recorded, with more than 80% using HVO, totaling about 235,000 liters of fuel.

No modifications required

BMW emphasizes that this experience did not require any material modifications to the vehicles. Existing gas stations were used without additional equipment. Dr. Martin Kaufmann, SVP Powertrain Development of the BMW Group, stated that the technical feasibility of a "VEEF-only" fleet has been proven.

Traceability of refuelings

At the heart of the VEEF category is the traceability of refuelings, essential to prove the use of eligible fuels. The refueling data recorded by each car are cross-referenced with the payment systems of fleet managers. For part of the cars, these data are also compared to information from the Bosch Digital Fuel Twin service.

HVO availability growing

This demonstration also relies on an increasing availability of HVO at the pump. In October 2026, this fuel is offered in 6,130 stations in Europe, including more than 1,700 from the Enilive network. Since January 2025, all diesel models produced in Germany receive a first fill of HVO without mixing.

Renewable fuels for gasoline engines

BMW does not limit this strategy to diesel only. The group recalls that its engines can accept various renewable fuels. For diesels, BMW mentions HVO according to the EN 15940 standard, B10 and e-fuels compliant with EN 590. For gasoline engines, the brand cites E20, E25 and e-fuels according to the EN 228 standard.

Pilot project in Spain

In Spain, a pilot project started in July 2026 in Madrid with Toyota Motor Europe, Repsol and Bosch. A dozen BMW, MINI and Toyota gasoline-powered vehicles run exclusively with the 100% renewable fuel Nexa 95. The monitoring is done with the same digital logic as for the HVO fleet.

Scientific support for renewable fuels

BMW has partnered with several scientific partners, including the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, the German Biomass Research Center and Freyberger engineering. A study published in March 2026 analyzes the European potential for a market of renewable fuels. The synthesis of this work sets the scene: "The transformation of the entire transport sector towards non-petroleum energy sources represents a challenge that cannot be met solely by the electrification of propulsion systems."

Future of renewable fuels

BMW highlights this study, its HVO demonstrations and the Nexa 95 project. The goal is to show that the decarbonization of mobility will not pass exclusively through electrification. BMW defends the idea that internal combustion vehicles running exclusively on renewable fuels could be counted as 0 g/km. Regulatory discussions continue in Brussels on the precise conditions for such recognition.