A new online platform called kraftstoffe.info now provides comprehensive information supplied by the fuel and automotive industries.

We can state for a fact that the corresponding publication in the Federal Law Gazette means that the new XTL and B10 diesel fuels can now be sold at German petrol stations without any restrictions. Behind this development is a decision by the German Federal Council (Bundesrat) on 22 March 2024 to amend the Tenth Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (10. BImSchV).

XTL stands for "X to Liquid" and designates high-quality paraffinic diesel fuels as described in DIN EN 15940. This liquid energy source is produced from renewable raw materials. The X basically stands for various biogenic residues and waste materials, such as used cooking oils and fats. One example of XTL is HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oils).

Like pure biofuels, HVO100 represents a quick, easy way of reducing CO2 emissions in both existing and new vehicles right from producing the fuel up to its use in the vehicle. The CO2 emitted by the car's exhaust is already removed from the atmosphere by the raw plant material or captured during the XTL production process.

Clear Signage at Petrol Stations

Since there are a variety of brand names, "XTL" signs on the pump and the fuel nozzle give consumers a clear point of reference.

The same applies to diesel B10, which contains up to ten per cent biodiesel. This label can likewise be found on the fuel pump and nozzle.

It is worth noting that just converting all of Germany's existing diesel-powered vehicles from the standard B7 grade to B10 would theoretically mean around 1.3 million vehicles overall could more or less run with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Using either HVO100 or higher proportions of biodiesel would multiply this impact many times over.

Vehicle Approvals

Generally, any vehicle with a corresponding sticker (XTL or B10) inside the fuel cap can run on these new fuels. If there is no sticker, as is the case with older vehicles, drivers can also turn to kraftstoffe.info, an online platform that maintains and regularly updates an approval list for cars and trucks, along with a great deal of other useful information.

Of course, petrol station staff are also available to advise their customers.