Porsche is taking a bold stand in promoting its synthetic fuel as a viable alternative to gasoline, especially in an era dominated by electric vehicles. In an effort to showcase the potential of its e-fuel, Porsche has announced that all cars competing in the 2024 Supercup series will run on this synthetic fuel.
The Supercup series, which has been taking place annually since 1993, is a prestigious one-make race series that follows the Formula One season. The 2024 edition will see 32 cars competing in eight races across Europe. Interestingly, all the participating cars will be identical, with drivers racing in a 911 GT3 Cup powered by a specially developed 3.6-liter flat-six engine and a six-speed sequential transmission. It is this engine that will burn Porsche’s e-fuel during the upcoming season.
To manufacture its synthetic fuel, Porsche operates the Haru Oni plant in the southern part of Chile. This location was selected due to its strong wind resource, making it an ideal setting for renewable energy production. The company emphasizes that no mechanical modifications are needed for the Supercup-bound cars to utilize its ready-for-racing e-fuel blend. However, an update to the engine control unit’s software is necessary.
Despite the switch to e-fuel, Porsche assures that there should be no noticeable difference in performance compared to traditional gasoline. The synthetic fuel has been carefully formulated to possess similar properties to conventional gasoline. In fact, during a personal experience driving classic 911s in Germany, there was no discernible difference until someone pointed out that the cars were running on a blend of regular gasoline and e-fuels.
The 2024 Supercup season is set to commence in Imola, Italy, on May 19, and conclude in Monza, Italy, on September 1. Porsche estimates that over 13,000 gallons of e-fuel will be consumed throughout the season. In previous years, the company’s Supercup race cars have utilized a blend of regular and synthetic fuels.
But why is e-fuel such a big deal? Porsche’s investment in the e-fuel project has played a significant role in preserving the future of the internal-combustion engine. With regulators in some regions planning to outlaw the sale of new piston-powered cars by 2035, the options for European motorists were limited to electric vehicles. However, e-fuels have emerged as a promising alternative, giving consumers more choices.
The process of manufacturing Porsche’s synthetic fuel involves two key ingredients: water and carbon dioxide. Through a process called electrolysis, water is used to generate hydrogen, which then reacts with carbon dioxide to produce eMethanol. This substance is further converted into raw gasoline, blended, and refined until it becomes suitable for use in cars. Notably, the entire process at the Haru Oni plant in Chile is powered by wind energy, eliminating the need to burn fossil fuels to produce an alternative to another fossil fuel.
As a result of Porsche’s efforts and the promising potential of e-fuels, European regulators have agreed to permit the sale of e-fuel-powered cars even after the proposed ban on piston-powered vehicles in 2035. This decision provides a glimmer of hope for those who prefer internal-combustion engines but still strive for more sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, Porsche’s announcement that all cars participating in the 2024 Supercup series will be powered by its synthetic fuel marks a significant milestone in promoting e-fuels as a feasible substitute for gasoline. Not only does this showcase the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, but it also underscores the growing importance of providing consumers with diverse options in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.