myAutomate is developing a mapping service so that users of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) can identify the nearest petrol station with the more sustainable fuel on pump.
The business, which operates the PetrolPrices.com app for motorists to find the cheapest fuel prices in their area, hopes to launch the service by early next year.
It believes that by including HVO on pump as a separate fuel grade on PetrolPrices.com that it would be a boost to petrol station operators thinking of getting on board with the diesel replacement for cars, vans and trucks.
It will also make it easier for fleet drivers, who are currently most likely to fill their vehicles with HVO, to find outlets offering the fuel in the UK, while boosting volume for operators included on the directory.
Currently, there are around 40 petrol station sites in the UK which offer HVO on pump and this is likely to increase with pressure for transport to become greener, says myAutomate commercial director Clare Lafferty.
The business currently monitors wholesale prices of HVO through its acquisition this January of Portland Pricing.
Demand for HVO has increased significantly in the past 12 months, according to supplier Certas, with many local authorities, for example, making the switch for their vehicles, such as bin lorries, to be more environmental.
myAutomate’s Lafferty agrees: “We’re seeing a clear rise in demand for HVO among fleet operators, especially as more companies subscribe to our Portland Pricing Renewables Pricing Service to monitor wholesale HVO rates in real time,” she says.
“But while interest in low-emission alternatives is growing, many fleets are telling us the same thing: there’s no easy way to find HVO refuelling points while on the road. That’s why we’re excited to be adding HVO as a grade to PetrolPrices.
“This update not only supports fleets in making greener fuelling choices, but also gives a commercial advantage to retailers who have invested in HVO by helping them attract more customers and increase sales at their forecourts.”
Any fuel station operator looking at introducing renewable fuels, or wanting their site to be added to PetrolPrices.com should contact clare.lafferty@myautomateapp.co.uk
