Stellantis has launched a new initiative designed to help fleets verify and report real-world use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in their vans, offering a way to cut CO₂ emissions without switching vehicles or changing infrastructure.

Called HVO Aurora, the project introduces a cloud-connected data system that records fuel type, trip distances, and consumption, providing fleet managers with certified proof that their vans are running on renewable HVO rather than conventional diesel. The programme was developed through Star*Up, Stellantis’ internal intrapreneurship scheme.

HVO — produced from waste materials such as used cooking oil and animal fats — is gaining traction across Europe as a drop-in diesel replacement, and Stellantis says all of its current diesel cars and light commercial vehicles are already compatible. Many existing Euro 5 and Euro 6 vans can also use the fuel without modification.

“HVO Aurora shows how we can reduce well-to-wheel emissions immediately, using solutions that work with the vehicles our customers already rely on,” said Luca Marengo, Head of Product and Innovation for Stellantis Pro One.

To demonstrate the system, Stellantis has begun a month-long European road tour with SP3HExternal link image, a French sensor specialist. Two vans — a Citroen Berlingo and a Fiat Ducato — are travelling across multiple countries, fitted with SP3H’s connected FluidBox Micro sensor, gathering real-world data to confirm HVO usage and estimate CO₂ savings.

Stellantis says the aim is to show that measurable low-carbon mobility doesn’t have to rely on new vehicles or large infrastructure changes. Instead, fleets can make immediate progress by certifying their use of renewable fuels in the vans they already run.

For operators looking to reduce emissions without committing to full electrification, the system offers a complementary pathway alongside existing EV and hybrid strategies.

Phil Huff
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