Synthetic fuel production requires a tremendous amount of energy, as The Guardian points out. Additionally, without direct air capture technology, e-fuel vehicles emit nearly the same levels of greenhouse gases as their conventional ICE equivalents. A carveout for synthetic fuels may result in up to 46 million fewer total EV sales in Europe by 2050 “without providing any additional CO2 savings,” according to a prediction made before Saturday’s announcement. It’s also important to note that no company is currently mass-producing synthetic fuels. This is important to note because it’s unlikely that European drivers will save money using e-fuels. According to Transport & Environment, the average EU driver will spend €782 more year to fill up their car with synthetic fuel than with regular petrol by the year 2030.
