The future of fuel for cars is a topic of much debate as bans on new pure-combustion vehicles loom. While electric cars are gaining popularity, there is also interest in alternative fuel solutions like e-fuels. E-fuels are a type of synthetic fuel produced using ‘green’ hydrogen and carbon, often sourced from waste biomass or CO2 captured from the atmosphere. They can be used as a substitute for petrol in cars with internal combustion engines.
Producing e-fuels involves separating hydrogen and oxygen from water using electricity and then combining that with CO2 using chemical synthesis. One of the advantages of e-fuels is that they can power modern cars without the need for modifications. They can also be used in heavy goods vehicles and vans. Unlike other alternative fuels like hydrogen, e-fuels can be used with existing fuel infrastructure, such as refineries and filling stations. It takes just a few minutes to fill up a car using e-fuels, similar to filling up with petrol or diesel.
However, there are some drawbacks to e-fuels. The main issue is that they are costly to produce and currently cannot be produced in large quantities. Additionally, e-fuels still emit gases that are harmful to the environment, similar to petrol and diesel. Burning e-fuels produces carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, which pose a health risk for local communities. Producing the necessary hydrogen for e-fuels also requires a significant amount of energy.
Despite these challenges, some car manufacturers are investing in e-fuels. Porsche, for example, has invested £62 million into pilot production of synthetic fuels in Chile and sees e-fuels as a potential alternative to electric cars. Volkswagen and Porsche CEO Oliver Blume believes that synthetic fuels could extend the life of combustion-engined vehicles until the end of the decade. Other manufacturers like Mazda, Ferrari, and Ineos Automotive also see a future for e-fuels.
However, there is still a debate about the role of e-fuels in reducing emissions and whether they should be prioritized over electric vehicles. The UK government has yet to include e-fuels in its emissions-reduction strategy, with a focus on a widespread transition to battery-electric vehicles. A report by the Transport Select Committee criticized this approach, highlighting shortcomings in EV charging infrastructure and raw material shortages. The committee emphasized the need to address the existing petrol and diesel fleet to achieve climate goals.
There are also concerns about the energy requirements and potential diversion of renewable electricity needed for other sectors if e-fuels are used in cars and commercial vehicles. Some argue that e-fuels should be prioritized for planes and ships, which currently cannot effectively decarbonize using batteries. Despite these concerns, momentum for e-fuels continues to build globally, with new production plants being established.
In conclusion, e-fuels have the potential to be an alternative fuel solution for cars with internal combustion engines. They offer advantages such as compatibility with existing infrastructure and quick refueling times. However, there are challenges in terms of cost, production capacity, and environmental impact. The debate over the role of e-fuels in reducing emissions and their prioritization compared to electric vehicles continues. It remains to be seen how governments and car manufacturers will navigate this complex issue in the coming years.