Aircela demonstrates machine that produces gasoline directly from air
Aircela, a fuel company based in New York, recently unveiled a groundbreaking technology that produces gasoline directly from air. This innovative machine, showcased in Manhattan, has drawn the attention of city and state officials, investors, and energy professionals who witnessed its launch.
Led by co-founder and CEO Eric Dahlgren, Aircela’s technology combines direct air capture with on-site fuel synthesis to create fossil-free gasoline that is fully compatible with existing engines and infrastructure. The compact unit, about the size of a refrigerator, is designed for easy installation in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
The process begins by extracting ambient air and using a water-based solution with potassium hydroxide to capture carbon dioxide efficiently. The captured carbon dioxide is then combined with hydrogen generated from water through electrolysis to create methanol. The methanol is then converted into gasoline using established chemical processes, resulting in a fuel that contains no sulfur, ethanol, or heavy metals.
What sets Aircela apart from traditional synthetic fuel projects is its distributed production approach. Each unit can produce gasoline on-site, making it ideal for off-grid locations, ports, islands, or emergency situations. This modular design allows users to access cleaner fuel without the need for vehicle modifications or changes to fueling routines.
Aircela has garnered support from notable investors like Chris Larsen, Jeff Ubben, and Maersk Growth, highlighting the machine’s potential to reduce carbon emissions in industries like shipping and logistics. The company aims to begin initial deployments of its machines in the fall of 2025, targeting off-grid, commercial, and industrial users.
The environmental and practical advantages of Aircela’s technology are significant. The carbon-neutral process balances the carbon dioxide released during gasoline combustion with the amount captured during production. The fuel’s compatibility with existing engines and infrastructure eliminates the need for costly upgrades, while distributed production reduces reliance on centralized refineries and long supply chains.
As Aircela prepares to make its technology widely available, the focus remains on increasing production, reducing costs, and offering a climate-aligned alternative to fossil fuels. The company’s vision of a sustainable future where gasoline is produced from thin air represents a practical step towards a cleaner energy transition for all.
