Toyota Australia has successfully tested HVO100 in current and older HiLux models, potentially offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional diesel.
Toyota Australia has confirmed that its HiLux pickup can operate on 100 per cent hydrotreated vegetable oil, or HVO100, potentially giving owners of existing diesel vehicles access to a lower-carbon fuel without mechanical modifications.
The alternative fuel is being evaluated through a partnership between Toyota Australia and fuel supplier Ampol. Testing began with the HiLux, Toyota’s leading diesel-powered vehicle in the Australian market, and is expected to expand to other models, including the LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado.
The trial covers both the latest HiLux and older vehicles equipped with Toyota’s 1GD and 2GD diesel engines. According to Toyota, these engines have powered HiLux models dating back to 2015. More than 500,000 examples of the previous N80 and current N90 generations are reportedly operating on Australian roads.
Toyota said all of its current diesel models can already use fuel containing up to 20 per cent low-carbon liquid fuel. The latest testing, however, demonstrates compatibility with a 100 per cent HVO100 formulation, eliminating the need for fossil-based diesel.
HVO100 is manufactured using renewable feedstocks, including vegetable oils and recycled cooking oil. Compared with conventional diesel, it has a higher cetane rating, which can contribute to improved ignition and more consistent combustion. The fuel also contains lower concentrations of sulphur and aromatic compounds.
A major advantage is that vehicles do not require modifications to run on HVO100. This could allow existing diesel HiLux owners to switch to the alternative fuel without paying for costly engine conversions.
Toyota Australia President and CEO Matthew Callachor said the testing demonstrates that low-carbon fuel technology can be used with vehicles already on the road. He also highlighted the potential benefits for fuel security and emissions reduction.
The announcement comes as Australia has experienced unusually high diesel prices. Rising fuel costs, partly linked to geopolitical tensions, have increased interest in alternatives and coincided with stronger electric vehicle sales.
Battery-electric vehicles reached a record 23.3 per cent share of Australia’s new-car market in June 2026, while diesel’s share declined from 28.7 per cent in January to 23.5 per cent in July.
Toyota is pursuing multiple powertrain options for the HiLux. Alongside the diesel model capable of running on HVO100, the company introduced a battery-electric HiLux in May 2026 and plans to launch a hydrogen fuel-cell electric version in Australia in 2028.
The development highlights Toyota’s broader strategy of combining conventional engines with alternative fuels, hybrid technology, battery power and hydrogen as it works toward reducing vehicle emissions.