ExxonMobil and Porsche have begun testing advanced biofuels and renewable, lower-carbon eFuels.
The tests are part of an agreement to find methods for potential future consumer adoption.
eFuels are synthetic fuels made from hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide. They are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 percent when blended to current market fuels.
The companies plan to test Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, which will contain eFuel components, as early as next year.
“The electrification of our vehicles is of highest priority to us,” Michael Steiner, Porsche research and development executive board member, said. “eFuels are a good complement to our powertrain strategy. They allow our customers to drive cars with conventional combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrids with significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration with ExxonMobil enables us to test the eFuels under demanding conditions on the racing track. This is a further step towards making eFuels an affordable and lower greenhouse gas emission substitute to conventional fuels.”
An early version of Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is a blend of primarily advanced biofuels and will be tested in race conditions during the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race series.
The eFuel will be sourced from a pilot plant based in Chile.