Europe : Renewed interest in e-fuels

The transition to more sustainable mobility is a major challenge for the automotive sector. Although electrification is at the heart of the debate, e-fuels are emerging as a promising alternative. On the one hand, they allow us to preserve the combustion engines that are so dear to us, offering driving pleasure and sensations. Secondly, they can reduce emissions from vehicles already in service. This renewed interest in e-fuels in Europe is also motivated by strategic considerations: avoiding excessive dependence on China in the production of vehicles and batteries.

This article explores the recent advances and prospects surrounding e-fuels and their potential impact on the automotive market, with a focus on the interest this represents for WOT, a key player in homologated reprogramming.

A revolution supported by ExxonMobil and Porsche

E-fuels, or synthetic fuels, are produced by combining renewable hydrogen obtained by electrolysis of water with electricity from renewable sources, and captured CO2. The ‘Haru Oni’ project, in partnership with Porsche, is the most notable example. Located in Chile, this site uses the abundance of wind resources to produce a virtually carbon-neutral fuel. This initiative, implemented in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, demonstrates that engines can run on these new fuels without major mechanical modifications, by reprogramming the electronic control units (ECUs).

Aramco: The challenge of clean energy for E-Fuels

The production of these synthetic fuels must overcome a number of challenges, including competition for renewable electricity, which are also in demand in various industrial sectors and more recently in artificial intelligence.

Aramco is one of the largest oil companies to have invested significantly in renewable energies. Notable projects include the Sudair solar power plant and the Shuaibah solar power plant. In addition, Aramco is planning collaborations with Repsol to produce carbon-free aviation fuel and is developing CO2 capture and sequestration technologies to meet its emissions reduction targets.

The strategic interest of the oil industry

For oil groups such as ExxonMobil and Aramco, it is crucial to steer their strategies towards a transition that includes e-fuels. This approach will enable them to continue selling ‘petroleum’ products around the world while adapting to new environmental requirements. Aramco's investment in the Horse Powertrain joint venture between Renault and Geely underlines the growing importance of e-fuels. This partnership aims to develop cleaner combustion engines and integrate advanced decarbonisation solutions. For Aramco, this strategy enables it to diversify its activities and support technologies that extend the use of combustion engines while reducing emissions.

OoD : Octane-on-Demand

Aramco is also working on increasing the octane ratings of e-fuels. Octane-on-Demand (OoD) technology would provide optimal fuel efficiency by using octane only when needed, according to the specific needs of the engine in real time. Aramco scientists are developing on-board fuel separation technologies that could split one fuel into two fuels of different octane quality, facilitating the adoption of this technology without the need for new refuelling infrastructure.

Compatibility and benefits for existing vehicles

Aramco is working with a number of European players, including Stellantis, to promote e-fuels. Amer Amer, Aramco Transport Chief Technologist, said, ‘We are delighted to be working with Stellantis to evaluate the performance of our fuel formulations, designed to be perfectly suited to their existing vehicle engines.’ Stellantis recently concluded that 24 European vehicle engine families sold since 2014 are ready to use advanced e-fuels without modification to the powertrain or engine control unit. These synthetic fuels could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 70% over a full life cycle compared with conventional fuels.

The evolving European regulatory framework

Initially, the European Union had set a date of 2035 for the end of combustion engine car sales. However, recent discussions indicate a possible revision of this policy. The European People's Party (EPP) is pushing for synthetic fuels to be included in the legislation, allowing new internal combustion vehicles to continue to be sold provided they use carbon-neutral e-fuels. The European Commission's decision on this issue will not come until the end of 2024 at the earliest.

It is also important for Europe not to move exclusively towards all-electricity. Such a move could give China too dominant a position in vehicle production in Europe, as well as in battery production. China already has a significant share of the world battery market, and increasing this dependence could undermine Europe's industrial and strategic autonomy. Diversifying energy sources for vehicles, including synthetic fuels, could help maintain a healthier economic and geopolitical balance for the continent.

The European Commission's decision on this issue will not come until the end of 2024 at the earliest.

New opportunities for WOT

For a company like WOT, which specialises in engine reprogramming, these developments open up significant opportunities. They could extend the life of today's internal combustion vehicles while reducing their carbon footprint. With Aramco's developments aimed at improving octane number, WOT could offer even better engine performance, combining zero emissions and increased power within a perfectly legal framework.

Conclusion

The transition to zero-emission mobility is a complex process requiring a multi-faceted approach. E-fuels represent a credible and complementary alternative to electrification. With strategic investments and an evolving regulatory framework, industry players, including homologated reprogramming specialists like WOT, can play a key role in this transformation. By drawing on the latest advances and remaining at the forefront of technology, WOT can not only adapt to change but also actively contribute to a more inclusive and efficient energy transition, guaranteeing high performance and a significant reduction in emissions.