Carbon-neutral fuel alternatives will match electric cars: Audi
Car manufacturer Audi is exploring e-gas, e-diesel and e-ethanol as potentially carbon-neutral ways to fuel its cars. With fossil fuel consumption predicted to rise 13.4% in the next 24 years, the German carmaker's plants are seeking other alternatives, while it is partnering with third parties to produce cleaner fuels. Audi expects that vehicles using its e-diesel will have a carbon footprint "similar to that of an electric car using electricity produced from renewable sources."

Over the course of the next 24 years, fossil fuel consumption is set to increase by 13.4 percent. To help reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency, car manufacturers are looking for alternative energy solutions, as drivers are becoming more aware of their impact on the planet.

One such smart solution is Audi e-gas. The fuel, which is produced through a combination of electrolysis and methanation, is being developed by two of Audi’s plants in Germany.

In the Audi e-gas plant in Werlte in the German state of Lower Saxony, renewably-generated electricity is used to break water into hydrogen and oxygen. In the second step, the hydrogen is reacted with CO2 to yield synthetic methane – or e-gas.

Its similarity to natural gas means distributing Audi e-gas to filling stations and into vehicles on a large scale is easily viable. Audi says fuel from the plant can power 1,500 Audi A3 Sportback g-tron cars for 15,000km of CO2-neutral transport annually.

In contrast to Werlte, at a facility in Allendorf, methanation occurs via biological means. Elsewhere, Audi is teaming up with partners to produce Audi e-diesel and Audi e-ethanol. These fuels are virtually climate-neutral, as they only release as much CO2 during combustion as was chemically bound during production. Audi predicts that a car operated on e-diesel will achieve a carbon footprint similar to that of an electric car using electricity produced from renewable sources.

At the end of 2016, the Audi A4 Avant g-tron is due for European release, with the newly announced A5 Sportback g-tron following. Drawing on the success of the A3 Sportback g-tron, they’ll bring CO2-free driving to even more consumers. Add to that a range of up to 400km using gas alone – and more with the petrol engine’s assistance – plus the usual benefits of Audi ownership, and e-gas looks increasingly compelling.

Audi's goals for 2025

In addition to its g-tron range, Audi aims to release a standard fuel-cell model, and wants electric cars to account for over a quarter of its production by 2025. Audi is also planning a closed sustainability loop, to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing.

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