McLaren COO Jens Ludman revealed that his company is looking to build a development car that runs on synthetic fuel. The goal is to find out if this technology can serve as a viable alternative to battery-electric vehicles in terms of lowering emissions.
According to Ludman, the British automaker believes synthetic fuels could make sense if the production of batteries is factored in as part of an EV’s total CO2 impact.
“The technology around synthetic fuels is still being developed, but if you consider that it can be produced using solar energy, easily transported and then pumped [into cars] as we know today, there are potential benefits in terms of emissions and practicality that I’m keen to explore.”
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“Today’s engines would need only small modifications, and I would like to see this technology get some more airtime.”
However, the project is currently only in its planning stage and the McLaren exec stressed that he doesn’t envision synthetic fuel engines replacing battery-electric powertrains, as reported by Autocar.
“It’s too hard to say with certainty how far off synthetic fuel is from reaching production reality,” he said, “whereas battery technology is here. Then you also have the potential to combine synthetic fuel with a hybrid system, which would make it cleaner still,” he added.
“I’m not saying this to hold back battery technology but rather to highlight that there could be valid alternatives that we should consider.”
Meanwhile, McLaren is also interested in expanding its range with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model, as part of its Sport Series lineup (540C, 570GT, 570S and 600LT).
The new model could make its debut this summer, with first deliveries taking place before the end of the year.
