Propel Fuels introduced Diesel HPR (High Performance Renewable) at 13 Southern California locations starting Aug. 12.

Utilizing Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel, Propel’s Diesel HPR is a low-carbon, renewable fuel that meets petroleum diesel specifications and can be used in any diesel engine. Fleets and consumers choosing Diesel HPR realize the benefits of better performance, significant reductions in greenhouse gases (GHGs), and improved local air quality due to the reduction of harmful air emissions including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM 2.5) versus petroleum-based diesel.

“Any diesel vehicle can fill with Diesel HPR since it meets the ASTM D-975 quality standard for petroleum diesel,” said Rob Elam, CEO of Propel.

In addition to new retail locations, Propel has launched Diesel HPR commercial and bulk availability for business and government fleets statewide. Delivered in bulk to businesses and agencies, Propel's HPR is bundled with the company’s patented CleanDrive emissions accounting software, allowing fleets to easily quantify and report GHG reductions and air quality benefits.

Diesel HPR made its North American debut in March at 18 Propel stations across Northern California, where the company has seen very strong consumer response. In HPR’s first three months of sales, Propel has seen a 300-percent increase in gallons sold compared to its former biodiesel product (B20). Propel customers have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the fuel, validating HPR’s performance and value to drivers.

Diesel HPR is now available at 13 Propel locations across Southern California markets including:

• Los Angeles/Orange County: Fullerton, Harbor City, La Mirada, Lakewood, Norwalk, Torrance, and Wilmington.

• San Diego: Chula Vista and Kearny Mesa.

• Inland Empire: Arcadia, Claremont, Hemet, and Ontario.

Locations, directions, and real-time pricing can be found on Propel’s mobile app available in the Android and Apple app stores. A complete list of locations is also available at dieselhpr.com/locations.

“It’s good to see this high-quality, low-carbon diesel coming to corner gas stations across Southern California,” said Mary D. Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board. “This renewable diesel will now be conveniently located for all consumers, and joins a growing suite of new, cleaner transportation fuels in California thanks to our Low Carbon Fuel Standard and forward thinking companies like Propel.”

Incorporating diesel refined from renewable biomass through Neste’s advanced hydrotreating technology called NEXBTL, Diesel HPR meets the toughest specifications required by automotive and engine manufacturers, enabling the fuel to be used by any diesel vehicle. Diesel HPR is designated as ASTM D-975, the standard for all ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel in the U.S., and is recognized as “CARB diesel” by the California Air Resources Board even though it contains no petroleum.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, renewable diesel’s high combustion quality results in similar or better vehicle performance compared to conventional diesel, while California Air Resources Board studies show that renewable diesel can reach up to 70 percent greenhouse gas reduction compared to petroleum diesel.    

“We congratulate Propel Fuels on their initiative to introduce Diesel HPR to consumers in California and are excited to be their supplier of choice with our NEXBTL renewable diesel,” said Kaisa Hietala, Neste's Executive Vice President of Renewable Products Business Area. “NEXBTL renewable diesel reduces emissions as well as enhances engine performance leading to lower maintenance and service costs.”