New York-based company Aircela has unveiled a machine capable of generating synthetic gasoline using only air, water, and electricity from renewable sources. The device, designed for off-grid or decentralised use, captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and converts it into fuel suitable for any standard engine.
A fuel compatible with existing engines
The fuel produced by Aircela’s machine contains no sulphur, heavy metals, or ethanol. It can be used without modifications to current vehicles and without changes to existing infrastructure. The first public demonstration of this technology is scheduled for May 20, with on-site real-time gasoline production.
According to Eric Dahlgren, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aircela, the machine is fully operational. “We didn’t build a prototype. We built a working machine,” he stated at the announcement.
A technology based on prior scientific research
The process builds on the work of physicist Klaus Lackner, a pioneer in direct air capture in the early 2000s. He will take part in the product presentation to explain the technical foundations of the system.
Aircela plans to expand production of its units starting this summer to target residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The system is designed to integrate into various environments without requiring heavy infrastructure or major technical adjustments.
Backed by shipping and finance investors
The company is supported by several high-profile investors, including Ripple founder Chris Larsen, activist investor and ExxonMobil board member Jeff Ubben, and Danish shipping group Maersk.
With more than 90% of vehicles worldwide still running on fossil fuels, Aircela’s solution targets a global market without requiring changes in consumer behaviour or existing systems.
