With the 2030 deadline looming, many argue that the UK lacks the infrastructure to support the impending electric revolution. But could there be an alternative on the horizon?
We know that petrol and diesel, or fossil fuels as they’re otherwise known, are bad for the environment. However, synthetic fuel could be the answer instead of getting rid of perfectly useful cars from the streets.
But what is synthetic fuel, and is it really a good solution or alternative to electric?
What is synthetic fuel?
Traditional fuel that you use to fill up the tank comes from oil, the stuff deep in the ground that will eventually run out. As well as being an unsustainable way to power cars, it produces harmful emissions when it’s burned, that contribute to environmental and health issues.
On the other hand, synthetic or efuels are developed to do the job of petrol or diesel using planet-friendly products. For example, bioethanol is created using fermented plants.
How synthetic fuels are made
There are several processes in making synthetic fuel. However, some are better for the planet than others.
Extracting carbon from the atmosphere is one way to create efuels. However, this involves extensive investment. But some manufacturers, including Porsche, are developing synthetic fuels using this technique.
Other fuels such as bioethanol are made from plant fermentation. The disadvantage of this method is the amount of land needed for crops to produce enough fuel. This also has a knock-on effect on the climate and natural habitats.
Benefits of synthetic fuel
There are several upsides to using synthetic fuel…
Used in the same way as petrol and diesel
Primarily, efuels work in the same way as petrol or diesel. So your car doesn’t have to be modified to carry synthetic fuel, and you can refill as normal at the fuel station.
Offset carbon emissions
On paper, synthetic fuels chuck out as much CO2 as petrol and diesel cars. But the way they’re made actually takes significant amounts out of the atmosphere. So it can be considered to offset anything produced by the vehicle.
Downsides of synthetic fuel
Cost of production
The major downside to efuel is cost. At the moment, creating synthetic fuel is expensive. Different institutes estimate that one litre of synthetic diesel fuel costs around £2.50 to £3.50 per litre (that’s before taxes!).
If production ramps up for efuels, then the cost could decrease. However, it’s likely, that it’ll never be on the same par as petrol or diesel, even with the fluctuations in the oil market.
What about air pollution?
Unfortunately, synthetic fuels still produce CO2, and while there are fewer particulates, emissions can cause poor air quality.
Are car manufacturers investing in synthetic fuel?
The appeal of synthetic fuel means that some car manufacturers are taking steps to produce efuel on a larger scale. One of the most prominent figures doing so is Porsche.
It’s said, one of the main reasons that Porsche is striving to achieve an alternative to petrol and diesel is that it’s proud many of its cars are still on the road and hopes to keep it that in the future. However, the only way to do this is using planet-friendly fuel.
In 2021, a pilot plant was launched in Chile to start work on capturing CO2 from the air, then using wind power to electrolyse water, creating hydrogen and oxygen. This then synthesises methanol, which forms fuel.
While this is just the first step to creating synthetic fuel on a larger scale, it’s still on a small scale. For example, the plant is expected to produce around 550 million litres by 2026. However, compared to the 612 billion litres of petrol used in the USA alone in 2021, it’s quite an eye-opener on the amount needed to replace it.
BMW is another manufacturer investing in this area with its announcement of BMW i Venture support for Prometheus Fuels. Using the same concept as above, the brand says Prometheus will help to offer a choice for consumers at a price that competes with conventional fossil fuels.
Formula 1 is another area that is developing fuel alternatives to power race cars for the future. By 2026, they aim to have a 100% sustainable fuel source for all F1 cars. Not only that, this fuel could power most other vehicles on the road.
Is there a future for synthetic fuels?
The push for electric cars is challenging the route for other fuel sources. The UK Government are moving towards a ban on petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035. Plus, car manufacturers are investing heavily in this area to ensure they are ready for the deadline. So, the future of synthetic fuels is primarily a limited alternative.
That’s not to say efuels couldn’t have a part to play in other transport sectors. For example, aviation and logistics have a significant impact on the amount of CO2 produced across the world. However, while electric aircraft is in development, we won’t be seeing the scale required for commercial flights anytime soon. The alternative could see synthetic fuel power planes, lorries and ships.
Synthetic fuel could also prove a big hit with classic car enthusiasts. As we move into the electric age, petrol and diesel price fluctuations could make classic car motoring more expensive. While efuel could prove the same, it may present a better way to keep an old car on the road for longer.
Can synthetic fuel save petrol and diesel cars?
Efuel isn’t going to stop the 2030 deadline in its tracks. At the moment, electric cars are at the forefront of the sector. However, synthetic fuels aren’t something to be ruled out. It’s still possible, this fuel could power various vehicles in the future depending on investment and demand.
