FCEVs, which are leading innovation in sustainable mobility, inevitably rely on fuels whose raw material is natural. However, a group of experts has just achieved something that was thought impossible: this is the first 100% artificial fuel in history, although it could be better news. Experts have already warned us of the possible consequences (and the hidden side).
No more EVs on the roads? The first 100 % artificial fuel could change everything.
The global automotive scene is quickly transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs), with many not planning to ban cars that utilize internal combustion engines (ICEs). Nevertheless, up to the present time, millions of vehicles still utilize ICE on the road.
As you know, they may be expected to stay on the roads for quite a long time. In light of this, a Germany-based fuel has been designing synthetic fuels mostly made from artificially produced chemical compounds that are friendless to the environment.
P1, in the case of Performance Fuels (the synthetic fuel they produce), has been made due to harnessing renewable energy in the wind, solar, and hydropower, among others. The implication is that the power utilized in fuel generation is 100 % originating from renewable resources.
How could this fuel put an end to gasoline and diesel-powered engines?
The fuel is also intended not to pose any compatibility issues with ICEs and does not have to change any engine or fueling architecture. This makes it a perfect solution for car manufacturers and consumers who want to decrease CO2 emissions but do not wish to replace conventional cars with electric cars.
P1 Performance Fuels has been developing its synthetic fuel technology since 2018. Fuel has progressed and has been used in different applications, such as the motorsport and the classic car. P1 Performance Fuels emerged as the exclusive FIA World Rally Championship supplier in 2021.
Currently, P1 Performance Fuels firm is developing a demonstration plant in Germany, which is scheduled to launch in 2024. This plant will act as a guide for large-scale plants to be produced in the future; therefore, it must comply with the identified guidelines.
The future of synthetic fuel: race cars, but also a substitute for EVs
On the same note, the company has also tied CRI to enable it to produce e-fuel within Germany. This partnership has numerous objectives to support efforts toward replacing fossil energy sources in ICE cars, thus playing an essential role in achieving climate targets.
Nevertheless, as P1 Performance Fuels’ synthetic fuel is made to work with existing ICE vehicles, it is uniquely positioned to play a significant part in the shift to EVs. As observed, the increased demand for synthetic fuel may lead to improved efficiency of ICE, resulting in a decreased caring footprint.
Further, the technology employed by P1 Performance Fuels could also be applied to machine emission-less synthesized fuels for electric vehicles, meaning that the constraint of charging the battery and the range of electric cars would not be a challenge.
This synthetic fuel may be the first in history, but will not be the only one. What’s more, we will now see how thousands of vehicles start using it and, with it, whether its performance is as good as advertised. Accusations of greenwashing have been seen in other countries, but they have yet to reach America, and neither have these manufacturers, so a new horizon of hope has opened up.
