German engine manufacturer already examining potential unit modifications required to take E-diesel
MAN has become the first engine manufacturer to signal that revolutionary E-fuel may be massively reduce the CO2 footprints of its coaches and buses.
Creation of E-fuel starts by using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then combined with CO2 taken from the atmosphere to form a hydrocarbon, which is refined into products including a synthetic diesel known as E-diesel.
The CO2 contained within the E-diesel is returned to the atmosphere when the fuel is burned in a conventional engine, but otherwise it is an almost carbon-neutral energy source.
MAN is already looking closely at E-diesel, which has been developed by fellow VW subsidiary Audi. Thomas Nickels, Head of Powertrain Engineering, says that a reasonable estimate for E-diesel’s entry into the mainstream market is 2025.
“Synthetic diesel is a liquid and its handling requirements are the same as a fossil-sourced fuel,” adds Mr Nickels.
“In concept, it is much like a battery; it stores electrical energy, which opens up its production when there is an excess of generating capacity, and in areas that have a high percentage of solar or wind power.”
MAN is currently examining how its existing engines will need to be modified to consume E-diesel, but Mr Nickels says that those changes are not expected to be major. Currently, the restricting factor in how fast this work can progress is availability of the synthetic fuel.
routeone contacted an independent expert in fuel chemistry, who has confirmed that E-fuel is a viable future alternative to fossil diesel.
