Now available: filters compatible with synthetic fuels 

Climate change is one of the biggest dangers facing mankind and requires urgent action. According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union (EU), commercial vehicle traffic was responsible for around 38% of CO₂emissions from EU-wide road traffic in 2019.

In view of the CO₂ fleet emission targets introduced by the EU in 2019, the commercial vehicle sector must also contribute to the climate and energy goals of the Union by reducing its CO₂ emissions. This is where synthetic fuels can play a role. Synthetic fuels can be produced sustainably from biomass like straw or organic waste such as used vegetable oil. Electrofuels (or e-fuels) are synthetic fuels produced using renewable electricity, for example from water and carbon dioxide. Synthetic fuels thus allow greenhouse gas-neutral operation of conventional gasoline and diesel engines.

The premium Mann-Filter brand of the global filtration specialist Mann+Hummel already offers various fuel filters for commercial vehicles that are compatible with synthetic fuels. Björn Schmid, director of material development at Mann+Hummel, explains: “Synthetic fuels can be aggressive to some types of elastomer seals and can leach plasticisers from the fuel filter sealing ring. As a result, a seal can lose up to 10% of its volume. In the worst case, this can even cause fuel to flow out and the filter to come loose while driving.”

The seal materials in Mann-Filter fuel filters for synthetic fuels have been tested according to DIN EN 15940 and are ideally suited for this application, ensuring a permanent hold and a complete seal of the filter. They also have the relevant Original Equipment (OE) approvals.

Mann+Hummel has already started series production of these highly-efficient fuel filters for Volvo and Renault trucks, and others will follow.

“The mobility of the future will certainly consist of a mix of different drive technologies, and liquid fuels will be required for a long time, such as in the area of long-distance heavy goods traffic. Here, synthetic fuels can make an additional contribution to effective climate protection in transport,” concludes Schmid.