Abstract

Advanced biofuels represent a key option for transport decarbonization, particularly in sectors where electrification is constrained by technical and economic barriers. Their compatibility with existing vehicle fleets and fuel distribution infrastructure enables rapid deployment without the need for major capital investments. In local public transport, biodiesel (FAME), hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and biomethane are mature solutions capable of delivering greenhouse gas emission reductions of 60–90% compared with fossil fuels. Among these, HVO is particularly promising, as an extensive body of literature has consistently shown its potential to significantly reduce engine-out emissions, especially particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study reports the results of an experimental campaign carried out on a diesel-powered local public transport bus equipped with a Euro III engine and lacking particulate matter and NOx after-treatment systems. Emissions were measured using a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) under real driving conditions, operating the vehicle with neat diesel, a 15% HVO blend, and a 70% HVO blend. Tests were conducted over urban and extra-urban routes. The results show that NOx emissions decrease proportionally with increasing HVO content, with high-blend ratios (HVO70) yielding estimated reductions of approximately 13–18%, and up to 23% under carefully controlled and comparable urban driving conditions. Based on these findings and the existing literature, HVO proves to be a useful instrument to meet 2025–2030 climate and air quality targets (particularly NOx and PM emission reductions), alongside electrification and modal shift measures, if used in public transport fleets.

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