While hydrogen is being labelled as the fuel of the future, Brazil’s latest prototype seeks to show that biofuels may offer a viable, sustainable substitute. The development of this engine is not just a technological accomplishment, rather, it is evident that research and investment were taken to produce this type of engine.
Hydrogen is of course on the rise and has gained significant attention due to its ability to replace traditional fuels and its ability to replace fossil fuels. However, there seems to be competition now. The alcohol-powered engine does feature some attributes that could potentially be a threat to hydrogen. Ethanol is simpler to produce and transport compared to hydrogen, making it a readily available fuel choice for countries with limited infrastructure.
It can also be regarded as a flex-fuel because it can function as ethanol or gasoline, which is an advantage for options when it comes to choice of fuel. It is because of these advantages that Brazil’s alcohol-powered engine could compete with hydrogen-powered vehicles. Despite its efficiency, hydrogen fuel cells frequently need a completely new infrastructure to be refuelled.
Additionally, ethanol produces less carbon footprint compared to hydrogen when resources such as sugarcane are utilised. Brazil is in a good position to benefit greatly from this new engine technology since it can generate ethanol from its enormous sugarcane crops.
Ethanol-powered cars have the potential to lower carbon emissions and compete with hydrogen on the international scene, and they can make use of the current infrastructure.
Ethanol internal combustion engines have of course been in production for a long time. The picture suggests they're talking about an ethanol powered fuel cell. If these are cost effective and more fuel efficient than internal combustion engines, then good, I guess. They still emit carbon.
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