A German study from ADAC evaluates eFuels as a viable alternative to conventional fuels
A study by the German automotive club ADAC indicates that eFuels can be used effectively in place of traditional fuels. While there has not yet been production capacity released for widespread use, interest is growing and expectations are rising that capacity will expand soon.
ADAC recently explored whether eFuels can truly stand in for conventional fuels. The findings are promising: laboratory tests performed by ADAC show that synthetic fuels function smoothly when the vehicle models are approved to run on the corresponding fuel type.
ADAC’s Technical President Carsten Schulze explains that the results suggest further optimization of eFuels can improve the CO2 balance of the current fleet and also reduce pollutant emissions. This improvement does not depend on waiting for every vehicle to be updated; even partial adoption can yield benefits.
The main drawback identified is the substantial electricity requirement for producing eFuels. Researchers believe that advances in electricity generation, including solar power and other renewable sources, will help address this challenge as production scales up.
Because blending eFuels with mineral fuels is permissible, the share of eFuel in a vehicle’s tank can be increased progressively as production capacity grows. From ADAC’s perspective, lowering fossil fuel content through ongoing eFuel use represents an important environmental contribution. Achieving this will require political action that creates incentives for producers and facilities to invest in production capacity.
During testing, eFuels were evaluated on five vehicle models using a rigorous test bench protocol. Exhaust emissions and fuel consumption were measured across more than 100 individual tests, providing a detailed comparison of performance and environmental impact.
How eFuels are produced
The production process for eFuels starts with hydrogen extraction via electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This step requires electricity and forms the basis for subsequent synthesis.
In the next stage, hydrogen reacts with carbon dioxide under high pressure with a catalyst to form a liquid energy carrier. The carbon dioxide source is captured from the air, and the resulting substance is a liquid that can be stored and transported easily. Because electricity powers the process, this method is often described as energy-to-liquid, turning input electrical energy into a usable liquid fuel.
Notes on the methodology emphasize the potential for balancing energy inputs with environmentally responsible generation, aligning eFuels with broader decarbonization goals.
Opinion and call to action
The discussion around eFuels continues to evolve as technology and policy converge. Advocates argue that gradual, thoughtful integration of eFuels can reduce the environmental footprint of transportation while existing vehicles remain in service. Critics stress the need for robust electricity supplies and clear incentives for producers to invest in scalable manufacturing capacity.
As the industry moves forward, policymakers, researchers, and automotive stakeholders will need to align on standards, incentives, and infrastructure investments to realize the benefits eFuels promise. The ADAC findings reinforce the idea that alternatives to traditional fuels can play a meaningful role within a diversified energy strategy for North America and Europe.