Net Zero U-Turn?

September 20^th, 2023 marked the day UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a change in tactic towards the overall Net Zero strategy: new petrol and diesel vehicles would not be banned until 2035. Motorcycles included. Ok, it’s not great news, but it’s better than the original 2030 Doomsday.

 

While we’re on the ‘glass-half-full’ bandwagon, he added "even after that, you'll still be able to buy and sell them second hand."

 

The campaign for Net Zero is a bid to slow climate change and aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gasses produced and absorbed into the atmosphere. There’s a race against the clock for the development of suitable electric battery and synthetic fuel alternatives.

 

Our hopes for a fuel-filled future are being echoed by MCIA, NMC, MAG, DVSA BMF, TRF, NMDA, BikeSocial and MCN, who are campaigning for a more open-minded approach to synthetic fuels.

 

We hope that the powers-that-be recognise two-wheels-culture enough to condone investment in synthetic fuels, rather than forcing us into electric rack-and-ruin. If governing bodies force a ban on combustion engines altogether, riding as we know it will be stopped in its tracks.

 

Where are synthetic fuels at?

 

Currently generated using carbon dioxide or monoxide, mixed with hydrogen (from sustainable sources including wind, solar and nuclear). The resulting liquid fuel produces 85% less emissions than the fossil fuels we use now. The carbon released into the environment in the burning process matches the amount that goes in to creating it.

 

But, is it enough to save the internal combustion engine?...

 

Sources say we use 46.5 billion litres of fuel currently each year, however forecasts say we will be producing 550 million litres annually by 2026. In fear of stating the obvious, this is clearly not enough.

 

 

What about the threat of electric?

 

Well, the consensus is that electric fuel has a greater impact on CO2 reductions compared to synthetic fuel. Also, electric goes for longer and we’ve got better infrastructure for it.

 

Drawbacks to electric include the range to weight ratio and a bike which lacks the soul of a liquid fuelled engine. However, these drawbacks are not of concern to the vast majority of decision-makers, who might choke our experience for environmental benefits.

 

 

Where does that leave us?

 

There’s still hope! The biggest driving force behind investing in these fuels is the aviation industry, where electric technology is not sophisticated enough to generate the power required for certain applications. The development of synthetic fuels should propel forward, and the motorsport industry will be able to piggy-back off this progress.

 

MotoGP is planning to use 100% synthetic fuel by 2027, following F1 in 2026.

 

 

Those for electric say ‘E’…

 

If you’re in the market for something a little bit economical, with all the oomph you’d expect from a top-end motorcycle, check out Kawasaki’s Hybrid Ninja 7. It is the world's first strong hybrid; a mid-size package with the acceleration of a 1,000cc engine.

 

More of our well-loved manufacturers are gearing up to compete in this space, too. Honda plans to introduce 30 different electric bikes to the market by 2030. KTM is getting ready to launch their E-Duke (rumoured for Autumn). But, at least with their racing expertise in tow, these manufacturers might churn out bikes with a bit more zest than new-to-market electric bike manufacturers.

 

Finally, let’s not forget Ducati, who entered the MotoE arena manufacturing electric bikes for the series for the first time in 2023. This ongoing partnership will accelerate their innovation of performance electric-powered alternatives; with a focus on lightness, a point of contention with their predecessor Energica.

 

Ducati’s MotoE pursuit ties in nicely with parent company Audi-VW Group’s goal to replace all internal combustion engines with electric by 2040. With a rich racing history and a large budget behind them, are we approaching a turning point for electric?

 

 

In the meantime, we will stick with our fuel guzzling motors and enjoy every moment we have with them.

 

Looking to revamp your set-up for summer? Check out our aftermarket performance parts via our handy Shop By Bike search.