This institution announced that from Ferrari is stepping into the green engines. Sustainability is being demanded in many parts of the world due to the worrying situation our planet Earth is experiencing. That’s why many companies are revolutionizing the automotive industry with new technologies contributing to the fight against climate change. Of course, Ferrari is one of these companies too, but they are doing it in a different way. So, let’s find out what Ferrari is planning on doing.
Ferrari and combustion engines
Ferrari is worldwide known for its powerful internal combustion engines and its signature sound. However, many people fear this will disappear since many manufacturing vehicle companies are coming up with electric vehicles because of how polluting traditional engines are. But, don’t worry, Ferrari is not planning on stopping making their combustion engines, despite the European regulations on emissions. What the company is investigating is the possibility of producing their engines beyond 2035.
European Union’s implementations
2035 it won’t be allowed to sell new vehicles with internal combustion engines. Why? Because this is part of the efforts for fighting against climate change. However, the EU and Germany have recently reached an agreement that opens a window for an exception: combustion engines could keep being manufactured if they use sustainable fuels, known as e-fuels.
E-fuels
Also known as electric fuels, are synthetic fuels that don’t emit any net greenhouse gases. For example, e-methanol, e-methane, and e-kerosene are some of these e-fuels that use renewable energies and catch carbon dioxide, which makes the process considered carbon dioxide neutral. This means that the CO2 emitted when used in engines is the same used for manufacturing them.
There’s a chance for Ferrari
The company is optimistic about this EU exception with Germany because it would allow the manufacturing of combustion engines, including future hypercar and Formula 1 models. But, Ferrari must follow one rule and show their commitment with sustainability.
So, Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna, stated that this EU decision means a lot for the company, as it allows them to continue developing combustion vehicles along with electric ones. He also noted that e-fuels will be key in Ferrari’s strategy for carbon reduction.
Ferrari’s future fuel: e-methanol
From the e-fuels we previously mentioned, e-methanol is the one that has more potential because it can be produced from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide caught from the air, using renewable energy. What’s more, e-methanol is easy to take anywhere, it can be mixed with oil in already existing combustion engines or even use it as the only fuel. These reasons make e-methanol a very reliable option for Ferrari and other brands.
Advantages of this e-fuel
E-methanol has many advantages that are important for hypercars and Formula 1 cars, so let’s have a look at them:
- It’s a carbon neutral fuel.
- It can be implemented in the current infrastructure with no big changes.
- It has a great transport capacity, which facilitates international commerce.
- It can be easily stored.
Challenges
Although we have said many positive things about e-fuels, the truth is that there are also some challenges (as it always happens with new ideas). These are some of the challenges:
- Part of the production process isn’t cheap, for example, sustainable capture of CO2 and the generation of green hydrogen.
- Regulations are still in development and can change.
- The whole process would still be expensive when compared to other fuels.
However, Benedetto Vigna is positive about these costs being lowered with the passage of time, as it usually happens with new technologies.
So…
What Ferrari is basically doing is putting its faith in an alternative that mixes tradition and sustainability: keeping their iconic internal combustion engines with a green touch by using synthetic fuels that won’t harm the environment.
I mean, it’s great that big names like Ferrari are incorporating new environmentally friendly elements into their manufacturing process. Climate change is a serious issue and every positive contribution in every field is welcomed. Do you think this Ferrari change won’t be taken very well by Ferrari’s fans?