As a direct consequence of the war in Ukraine, there are strong tensions on energy prices. All motorists have noticed, the price of gasoline has broken all records. It is therefore the time to invest massively in renewable energies, and Porsche has understood this well. The German manufacturer had launched a project of synthetic gasoline production 18 months ago , it began to materialize took place last fall . Because it is time to move up a gear, Porsche announces a new investment of 75 million dollars. It will thus become a reference shareholder of HIF Global LLC , a holding company which manages several projects of synthetic gasoline production.
Is synthetic fuel cleaner than electric? This is what Porsche claims to justify its choice.
The end of fossil fuels is near, whether due to government measures or resource depletion. To survive, manufacturers are scratching their heads to find alternative solutions. Especially manufacturers of passion cars, who are finding their salvation in synthetic fuels. While McLaren has already mentioned the solution, it's Porsche 's turn to speak out on the subject.
A total impact equivalent to that of an electric car
Speaking to Autocar , Dr. Frank Walliser , head of the Motorsport and GT division, believes that e-Fuel combustion engines will be as clean, if not cleaner, than electric alternatives: "Synthetic fuel is cleaner (than traditional gasoline) . We expect an 85% reduction in CO2. From a well-to-wheel perspective, and you have to consider the whole chain for all vehicles, it will be the same level of CO2 produced in the manufacture and use of an electric vehicle."
Since an electric car generally emits more CO2 during its manufacture than a thermal vehicle, the latter would have the advantage here with a lower CO2 impact during use.
Dr. Frank Walliser continued: "The general idea behind these synthetic fuels is that there are no mechanical changes required, unlike what we saw with E10 or E20 ethanol. So really, anyone can use it. It has no impact on performance, there are even a few more horsepower, but the emissions are much better; we see fewer particulates, less NOx."
Making gasoline from wind
The spokesperson also outlined Zuffenhausen's roadmap in this regard. Porsche and its partners ( Siemens Energy, AME, Enel and the Chilean company ENAP ) will set up a factory to produce e-fuel from 2022 and reach a production volume of 550 million liters by 2026.
The Porsche e-Fuel will be made from hydrogen and carbon captured from the air. Combining these elements will create methanol, which will then be processed for use in gasoline, combustion, and even hybrid car engines. Manufacturing will be done using wind power at a plant in Chile.
If the economic equation can be solved, we will be able to drive 6-cylinder Porsches until the end of time.
