Why Is Porsche Banking on Synthetic Fuel?

Automologist MAC thinks this is the right way to go about decarbonising the atmosphere. 

Electric vehicles seem to have all the spotlights in 2022 and—despite all of the obvious problems of replacing an existing and working technology with a brand new one that does not really shift the transportation paradigm—it seems that an electrified mobility future is just about guaranteed. So, why would the likes of Porsche (and others) seemingly be banking on synthetic fuels? Well, if you think that, it may be that you are kind of missing the point.

Yes, Porsche has invested heavily in their new eFuel along with partners Siemens, AME, ENEL and Exxon Mobile. Production has already started and they are looking to be able to commercially export significant volumes soon with a production target of 550 million litres per annum by 2026. Compare to hydrocarbon-based fuels that have 30 to 40 components, the new eFuel has a mere eight, so it burns much cleaner.

Produced by zapping water with renewably sourced electricity to release the hydrogen from the oxygen it is bonded with, then combining carbon sequestered from the CO2 in the atmosphere with the newly liberated hydrogen; add a bit of waste sugar cane and sprinkle of pixie dust and, hey presto, we got eFuel. Porsche claims that the fuel will be at least 85% cleaner than conventional hydrocarbon fuel.

The fuel will suit all current combustion engines but according to Frank-Steffen Walliser, VP for the 911 and 718 production lines, this is not merely a ploy to extend the life of those venerable marques. According to Frank-Steffen, if we are truly committed to bringing down carbon emissions, we have to look at areas that are difficult to decarbonise and that would be the existing fleet of ICE-powered vehicles. It is this conundrum that is (allegedly) at the forefront of Porsche’s big thinkers’ minds.

The problem seems to be that even if we were to massively accelerate the introduction of EVs in 15 years, hydrocarbon power would drive most vehicles on the road, up to 70% by some estimates. So, the likes of Porsche who are introducing EV offerings are a little more pragmatic in their approach to reducing Co2 emissions, and it has very little to do with keeping old 911s on the road. Yeah, right!

I, for one, am glad that renewably sourced energy that can be used to replace hydrocarbons within the existing supply chain is now being looked at in all earnest. I am also glad that I will be able to enjoy my 911 for years to come and maybe even be able to pass it down to my sons. But, I am also wondering if the headlong rush to electrify may now be viewed in a slightly different light.