Synthetic fuel bank to stop the world from using electricity? Porsche say you are missing points.
The brand has always been at the forefront of synthetic fuel development and has invested heavily in its production at a plant in Chile in partnership with Siemens Energy, AME, Enel and a petrochemical company of Chile.
Production began in earnest before that in 2022 and Porsche plans to produce 130 million liters per year by the end of 2022 and up to 550 million liters per year by 2026.
Compared to conventional fossil fuels, which have between 30 and 40 components, synthetic fuels have only 8. There’s less new stuff hidden in the eFuel, so it’s better for the engine and the environment.
Porsche says it reduces emissions by about 85% compared to current unleaded grades.
The fuel is being developed to be plug-and-play compatible with today’s internal combustion engines, but Porsche says it’s not trying to stop rolling out electric models or to spend more time on the 911. in its current form.
Frank-Steffen Walliser, vice president responsible for the Porsche 911 and 718 models, said: “Our position on this matter is much broader. CarExpert.
“It is part of our strategy. The rationale behind that certainly doesn’t just say we want to save engine combustion or we want to save the internal combustion engine 911Mr. Walliser said.
“If we want to save the planet, we have to get up to speed in reducing CO2 emissions, and there are areas that are hard to decarbonise. One is the existing fleet.
“In 15 years, the majority of cars will be internal combustion engines, even if we only sell electric cars from today. Porsche has a very strong, fast and forward-looking strategy for the electrification of our new cars, but we know how large the fleet is. We know how long it will take.
“If the goal is not just to introduce battery electric vehicles, if the goal is to reduce CO2, we have to do more and faster.”
Even as it ramps up production, Mr. Walliser said Porsche is looking at the period between now and 2030 as a laboratory test for eFuels.
“The big companies, they say the refinery capacity is between 4 and 5 million bpd,” he said. “In Chile, we are discussing in the next phase about two barrels per day.”
Ultimately, Mr. Walliser said the brand wants the wholesale price of the synthetic fuel at US$2 per liter – but that won’t happen until around 2030 and relies on support from “people who want to sell their fuel”. decision makers, politicians, markets, NGOs”.
According to Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP)retailers are currently paying $1.79 per liter (US$1.30) for 95 RON premium unleaded Down Under.
Instead of owning the project forever, Mr. Walliser likened the eFuel venture to a race car or a prototype. It is designed to show what can happen and to encourage other players in the oil and gas industry to take responsibility.
As for why Porsche is leading that charge? “Porsche is recognised,” said Mr. Walliser. We have a voice, and some credibility. Everyone please listen to us.”
While some production will be aimed at specific customers (such as motorsport categories), Porsche envisions a future where synthetic fuels are sold at petrol stations, likely to be mixed with conventional fuel.
Along with the buzzing eFuel project, the brand is working on biofuels that have a smaller carbon footprint than conventional unleaded gasoline.
According to Mr. Walliser, it is a “second-generation, bio-based fuel” produced from sugar cane waste. CarExpert it cuts CO2 by about 50% compared to conventional lead-free.
The Porsche Supercup will be powered by these biofuels. The Cayman GT4 RS recently launched in Portugal is fuel dependent, as is the car’s public debut at an ice race in Austria.
