Renewable diesel is not biodiesel. It's a drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel made from renewable feedstocks — and it's arriving at select Costco fuel stations. If you drive a diesel truck, RV, or fleet vehicle, this is one of the most important developments in fuel you should know about. Here's what Costco renewable diesel means for you, your engine, and the planet.
Renewable diesel (often abbreviated as RD, or called HVO — hydrotreated vegetable oil — in Europe) is a hydrocarbon fuel produced from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil, animal fats, and plant oils. Unlike biodiesel, which is produced through transesterification and blended with petroleum diesel (B5, B20), renewable diesel is produced through hydrotreating — a process that chemically transforms fats and oils into true hydrocarbon molecules.
The result is a fuel that is chemically identical to petroleum diesel and meets the same ASTM D975 specification. You can use it in any diesel engine without modifications, mixing it with petroleum diesel at any ratio, or even running it neat (R100). No engine tuning, no seal compatibility issues, no warranty concerns.
If you're already familiar with Costco's diesel quality — which we cover in our Costco diesel quality guide — renewable diesel meets every one of those same standards while offering additional environmental benefits.
Costco has been gradually introducing renewable diesel at select fuel stations, particularly in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia — regions with low-carbon fuel standards (LCFS) that incentivize cleaner-burning fuels. These state and provincial mandates create a market environment where renewable diesel is cost-competitive with (or even cheaper than) petroleum diesel.
Costco hasn't published a comprehensive list of which stations carry renewable diesel, and the fuel supply can vary by delivery. In practice, if your local Costco is in a state with an LCFS program, there's a decent chance the diesel at the pump contains some percentage of renewable diesel — potentially even R100 (100% renewable).
To find Costco diesel locations, use our interactive fuel map and filter for diesel. We track 71 diesel-capable Costco stations across North America.
The headline number for renewable diesel is striking: up to 80% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum diesel, depending on the feedstock used. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has certified various renewable diesel pathways with carbon intensity (CI) scores as much as 80% below conventional diesel.
Beyond greenhouse gases, renewable diesel also reduces:
For RV owners and long-haul drivers who burn a lot of fuel, switching to renewable diesel is one of the single most impactful changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint without changing your vehicle or your driving habits.
Here's where renewable diesel truly shines compared to biodiesel: it performs identically to petroleum diesel.
Whether you drive a Ford Power Stroke, Chevrolet Duramax, Ram Cummins, or a diesel pusher RV, renewable diesel is safe for your engine. It won't void your warranty, won't clog your fuel filter, and won't trigger any dashboard warnings. For more on how Costco diesel compares to name brands, see our Costco vs. Shell diesel comparison.
Costco doesn't publicly label which stations dispense renewable diesel at the pump, so the best approach is to ask the fuel station attendant. That said, here's what we know based on state-level clean fuel mandates:
In other states, renewable diesel may still appear in the supply chain as refiners and distributors blend it into the regular diesel stream. If you want to confirm what you're pumping, ask the station staff or check the pump label — stations are required to post fuel composition information.
Planning a trip through diesel-friendly states? Our diesel RV road trip guide helps you plan fuel stops along major routes. And if you want to keep your fuel system in top shape regardless of diesel type, check out our best diesel fuel additives recommendations.
For RV owners and commercial truckers, renewable diesel is a game-changer for three reasons:
For environmentally conscious drivers who need the range, torque, and reliability that only a diesel engine provides, renewable diesel offers the best of both worlds.
Renewable diesel is the real deal — not a science experiment or a niche product. It's a true drop-in replacement for petroleum diesel that burns cleaner, performs identically, and is increasingly available at Costco fuel stations in clean-fuel-standard states. If your local Costco offers renewable diesel, filling up with it is a no-brainer: same engine performance, same pump experience, and dramatically lower emissions. See our FAQ for more information, and use the Costco fuel map to find diesel stations near you.