Racing cars and classic cars can be operated with low CO2 emissions using synthetic or methanol-based fuels. The prospects were highlighted by experts at this year's workshop of the Interessengemeinschaft Fahrzeugrestauratoren Schweiz (IgFS) on November 12, 2022.
Research into synthetic fuels has been going on for some time, but the general public still knows little about the possibilities of this new technology, explained former racing driver and entrepreneur Markus Hotz to over 50 guests from classic car specialist companies from all over Switzerland. On November 12, he was both host and speaker at the IgFS workshop, which was held this year at Hotz Racing AG in Sulgen under the title "Fuels of the future".
Simply fill up and drive
Synthetic gasoline, which is produced from renewable, biogenic materials, was used for the first time at the Oberhallau hill climb in August. Racing drivers Marcel Fässler, Beni Hotz and Neel Jani demonstrated in demo drives with racing cars that the new type of fuel can be used without any problems or mechanical modifications. But the so-called "drop-in" fuel also works without any problems in normal road vehicles, Hotz reported on his experiences at a three-day classic car rally in Italy.
Don't just talk, act
The fuel, which was used for the first time after two years of preliminary work, complies with the applicable standards, has an octane rating of 97.8, is around 85 percent CO2-neutral and can be used without a new filling station infrastructure. The same applies to the "e-fuels", which will be available in limited quantities from 2025 and are to be produced from hydrogen using green electricity through electrolysis.
"We don't just want to talk, we want to do something," said Hotz, confirming the project group's intentions. Among those involved are engine manufacturer Mario Illien and autobau founder Fredy Lienhard.
For the entire energy cycle
The synthetic production of fuels in the form of methanol offers similar advantages. Sustainably produced from CO2, water and green electricity, this substance offers itself as a new energy source for the entire energy cycle, explained Albert Vollmer, responsible for various patents at Silent-Power AG from Cham ZG. The simple and significantly cheaper storage compared to hydrogen is one of the major advantages of methanol. The first products, such as a range extender for electric vehicles, are in development, said Vollmer, looking to the future.