Cars in the future may be powered by a variety of sources, such as petrol, diesel, electricity, hydrogen, and greater use of biofuels. We are working to make fuels today more efficient.
Shell fuel economy formula products are available in some 30 countries. Shell FuelSave Regular Unleaded, for example, is an efficient Shell fuel designed to help customers save with every tank – at no extra cost. To date, we have launched Shell FuelSave in 10 countries across Europe and Asia, with further launches planned in other countries.
In Brazil in 2010 we launched V-Power Ethanol 100, the first sugar-cane ethanol with additives for higher engine performance. We developed this product for flex-fuel motors – vehicles that run on petrol or diesel and ethanol.
We produce a wide range of more efficient lubricants, such as Shell Rimula R6 LME, which can help drivers and fleet operators save up to 2% on fuel consumption1.
We believe that biofuels present the most practical, commercial way to reduce CO2 in the transport fuels sector over the next 20 years. We are already among the world’s largest distributors of biofuels. Now we are moving into the production of one of the most sustainable and lowest-CO2 biofuels, ethanol from Brazilian sugar cane. This offers a reduction of around 70% on CO2 emissions from production to use compared to conventional petrol.
We are also working to develop biofuels for the future, using new feedstock, new conversion processes and producing new fuels. We are working towards the commercialisation of ethanol from straw using improved super-enzymes. And we are involved in activities to convert plant sugars into a range of high quality, liquid fuels.
Our Chemicals business produces raw materials which help to make cars that are lighter and stronger with better fuel efficiency. We produce the chemicals for polyurethanes which go into making rigid foam, used among other things for lighter-weight car parts.
1 Based on test carried out over a 100,000km drain interval and compared to a typical 10W-40 oil.
