Like Porsche and Ferrari, Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep, etc.) also believes strongly in synthetic fuel and is developing its own technology. Several tests have just been carried out on 28 families of already existing engines and they are rather conclusive. It would then be a question of allowing thermal cars already in circulation since 2014 to switch to synthetic fuel to reduce their pollution.
It is now official: from January 1, 2035, car manufacturers will no longer have the right to sell thermal cars in Europe. A decision now endorsed by Brussels, despite the mistrust of Germany, which still won its case with regard to synthetic fuels. Thus, brands may be able to continue to sell internal combustion models, provided that they no longer run on fossil fuel and that they are carbon neutral.
An extensive test
A real boon for some manufacturers, who see this derogation as an opportunity to be able to continue to offer thermal cars to their customers. One thinks of course of Porsche, but also of Ferrari. The two brands are not the only ones to take a close interest in this technology. This is indeed also the case of the Stellantis group.
Born in 2021 from the merger of PSA and FCA, he also believes in this alternative, even if he has never really communicated on this subject. It is now done. In a press release, the Franco-Italian company, parent company of Peugeot, Citroën, DS or even Jeep and Fiat announces that it has made significant progress in the field.
The firm explains: be in the finalization phase of its tests with synthetic fuels“. These were driven on 28 engine families, without the details being communicated. However, we know that these are petrol and diesel units, produced since 2014 and already fitted to the group’s cars. The journalists of Argus claim that these tests also concern the American branch of Stellantis, with brands such as Dodge and Chrysler.
But then, what is the objective of the company, which plans to no longer only sell zero-emission cars over the next few years? With only 100% electric cars in Europe from 2030.
A complementary solution
In reality, there is no question for the European group of launch new thermal models that can run on e-fuel after the 2035 deadline in Europe. Because the latter recalls its commitment to sell only electric passenger vehicles by the end of the decade in this region“. No, the goal here is mainly to propose an additional solutionacting as a transition.
Because if Stellantis carries out these tests, it is above all for check the compatibility of its current engines with this synthetic fuel. These are all petrol and diesel car models produced since 2014 (at the Euro 6 standard). The goal is then to have all the cars in the group in circulation with the latter. According to the company, the use of this alternative among the 28 million vehicles in circulation would make it possible to ” reduce CO2 emissions in Europe by 400 million tonnes between 2025 and 2050“.
It would then be possible to drive, for example, in a Peugeot 208 from 2015, a Citroën C3 or C4 from the same year, a Peugeot 3008 or even a Peugeot 308… converted to synthetic fuel!
The company evaluates several parameters, such as starting capacity, engine power, reliability or even the durability of components such as hoses and fuel filters. And the tests are pretty conclusive so far. However, e-fuel is not a miracle solution. This does not prevent the emission of polluting gases from the exhaust and its production requires a lot of energy.
This is one of the reasons why some manufacturers don’t want to hear about it. This is the case of Volkswagen, but also of Iveco. Also in question, its very high price, which would double the price of a full tank, according to a study carried out by the NGO Transport & Environment.
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