What Are E-Fuels And Are They The Future Of Motoring
What are e-fuels and are they the future of motoring?
You might have heard about alternative fuels - sometimes referred to as ‘e-fuels’ - mentioned in the news. Recently, Germany has announced that it has reached a deal with the European Union that will allow combustion-engined cars to be sold beyond 2035, providing that they’re using e-fuels.
But what are these groundbreaking new fuels and how could they shape the future of motoring? Let’s take a look at some of the key things you need to know.
What are e-fuels?
E-fuels are eight gas or liquid-formed materials which are created through renewable energy sources. Because they’re created with ‘green’ methods - such as wind or solar power - they’re often seen as far more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels like petrol or diesel.
In addition, because the whole process is clear throughout the production line, emissions across the lifetime of an e-fuel is down on those for ‘traditional’ fuels.
How are e-fuels made?
There are different types of e-fuels and, with each different one, come different manufacturing processes. You’re able to get e-kerosene, e-methane and e-methanol, but they all largely work by converting CO2 emissions that are captured from the environment and mixing them with hydrogen to switch them into either liquid or gas. Most processes use CO2-free electricity, so the entire process is as ‘green’ as can be.
Thankfully, e-fuels don’t need their own bespoke transportation network - they can be moved around the world using the same systems as petrol and gas. This reduces transportation costs and streamlines the whole process.
What do cars using e-fuels emit?
So this is the kicker. Even if you fill up a car with e-fuels, it’ll still emit CO2 - just like a conventional petrol or diesel car. However, the production of this fuel is where the difference lies. Because it’s made using CO2 captured from the atmosphere, this process offsets the vehicle’s emissions, turning it all into more of a ‘cycle’.
Plus, you don’t need to make any modifications to a vehicle for it to use e-fuels, so it could, in theory, be used to keep all manner of cars on the road. E-fuels are already being used in classic motorsport, too.
Who is currently creating e-fuels?
Though this is still very much the early days of e-fuels, some companies are already pushing for it. Porsche has been a big advocate of e-fuels and has even opened its own production facility in Chile. The site, located in Punta Arenas, has been chosen because it’s very windy - and ideal trait for a production reliant on wind for energy.
BMW has also invested in e-fuels with a new Prometheus Fuels start-up, while Mazda has put forward its support as well.
Could we see e-fuels becoming more mainstream in the future?
It’s safe to say that a lot of investment is being put into e-fuels. Porsche is already using it in many of its race cars and plans to up production over the next few years.
The real hurdle comes with legislation. Though the agreement between Germany and the EU is a big breakthrough, there will need to be more widespread agreements across the globe for e-fuels to really take off.
