Porsche predicts bigger role for e-fuels

Use of synthetic fuel looks set to rise considerably by 2030, according to the German firm

- JAMES ATTWOOD

Porsche believes synthetic e-fuels could account for "a significant share" of petrol usage by the end of the decade, boosted by increasing support for the technology from potential customers and governments.

The German firm has invested heavily in developing e-fuels, working with HIF Global and other partners to start a trial production facility in Chile. That plant is run using renewable energy and currently produces e-fuel that is used in the Porsche Supercup race series and a number of other applications.

Porsche originally viewed e-fuels as a potential way to ensure its old cars could remain on the road in the future, rather than as a direct alternative to electric vehicles.

But Michael Steiner, Porsche's research and development boss, said the success of the project - and increasing interest in alternatives to EV technology could change that.