TotalEnergies pioneers the use of biofuels in racing

A multi-energy group whose aim is to achieve carbon neutrality for all of its activities by 2050, TotalEnergies has contributed actively to making the Goodyear FIA ETRC a pioneering championship in terms of fully-certified-sustainable fuels by supplying it with HVO100 since 2021.

A long-term vision

The introduction of HVO100 in the Goodyear European Truck Racing Championship is part of the FIA’s long-term strategy, one which is aimed at promoting the development of new technologies and rolling out sustainable sources of energy in its various racing categories, thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions. This is why the FIA’s Truck Racing Commission, in partnership with the championship’s promoter, the European Truck Racing Association (ETRA), drew up a road map specifically on sustainability in 2019.

TotalEnergies aiming for carbon neutrality in all of its activities by 2050

TotalEnergies shares this innovative, revolutionary vision of motorsport, which is why it took part (successfully) in the call for tenders organised for the supply of fully-certified-sustainable fuel for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons of the Goodyear FIA ETRC. TotalEnergies has genuine expertise and experience in this area, having begun production of biofuels at the start of the 1990s, and has naturally shifted towards HVO100, the benefits of which have been proven time and time again. The multi-energy group has invested colossal sums in sustainable fuels, notably converting its historic refinery of La Mède site located just outside Marseille into a biofuel refinery, which is designed to produce 500,000 tonnes of biofuels per year.

Undeniable advantages

HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. It is a high-end diesel, made from 100% renewable raw materials by hydrocracking method. It may be used in a internal combustion engine without the need for any modifications.

This however is not the only advantage it offers. Thanks to its high cetane rating, HVO also has a positive impact on performance compared to a conventional diesel fuel. Furthermore, it reduces exhaust gas emissions and combustion noise, whilst also delivering better cold starting performances, which makes the product extremely well-suited to the requirements of the road transport sector.

CO2 emissions reduced by at least 65%

In line with the methodology provided by the European RED II directive (2018/2001), Excellium Racing 100 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to its fossil equivalent.

 

On-track action guaranteed

Previously criticised for emitting black exhaust smoke in what was seen as a less than environmentally-aware approach, the 1200-odd horsepower, 5.3-tonne monsters that contest the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship can now boast having drastically reduced their impact on the planet with the advent of HVO100. And yet the high standard of racing at some of Europe’s greatest tracks confirms that performance levels in the championship have not been sacrificed. In fact, that is precisely what HVO100 is all about – no compromise.

¹HVO 100 is manufactured from raw materials derived from biomass, which Article L. 211-2 of the French Energy Code defines as the biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues of biological origin from agriculture, including plant and animal substances, forestry and related industries, including fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of waste, in particular industrial waste and household and similar waste when it is of biological origin.