Millions of combustion engine cars will remain on the road for years, and low-carbon fuels offer a way to reduce their emissions.
While electric vehicles continue to gain traction, the reality of the millions of gasoline and diesel cars already on our streets is not changing quickly. Reducing emissions from these vehicles is part of the decarbonization challenge, and one potential solution may lie in the fuel itself.
From biofuels to synthetic fuels, alternatives exist that can reduce emissions without necessarily requiring the immediate replacement of vehicles. “Cars last a long time in people’s hands,” says João Reis, a representative for the Platform for the Promotion of Low-Carbon Fuels.
He discussed the potential of these solutions, their limitations, and the obstacles to their adoption during an Auto Talks podcast, a live recording at the Hybrid and Electric Motor Show (SAHE) in Porto.
Low-carbon fuels are not a technology reserved for the future. According to Reis, conventional fuels sold at the pump already incorporate biofuels, contributing to a reduction in emissions associated with fossil fuel use. He highlighted two main categories: biofuels, produced from biological raw materials, and synthetic fuels, manufactured through chemical processes that can combine hydrogen with carbon.
Among the existing solutions, Reis cited HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a renewable fuel that can be produced from waste such as used cooking oils. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% over its life cycle compared to conventional diesel and can be used in compatible diesel engines.
In his view, this type of fuel can be useful in decarbonizing vehicles that do not use electric propulsion. “The solutions exist, the products exist. Political will is needed,” he stated, arguing that production needs to gain scale to meet wider demand.
Reis also defended that low-carbon fuels can be relevant for heavy vehicles, where the use of batteries can pose challenges related to weight, range, and cargo capacity. In his view, the energy transition should combine different solutions rather than relying on a single technology.
He did not reject electric mobility but believes that alternative fuels should remain part of the discussion on reducing emissions. “We cannot have just one solution, we have to have several,” he said, referring to biofuels, hydrogen, and biomethane as options to be considered.
The transition to a more sustainable automotive future is not a simple shift from one technology to another. As the industry grapples with how to meet climate goals, the role of advanced and alternative fuels is becoming a critical point of discussion. The long lifespan of existing vehicles means that any solution must work within the current infrastructure for years to come.
While the focus is often on the rise of electric vehicles, the sheer number of internal combustion engine vehicles in circulation ensures that all available options for reducing their environmental impact are under scrutiny.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the debate over the best strategies for reducing carbon emissions is far from settled. The need for a multi-faceted approach appears to be a common thread in the discussion, with experts like Reis advocating for a combination of technologies to meet the complex challenges of transportation decarbonization.
