The Day a Harley-Davidson Drank Solar Fuel and Changed Everything

On a sunny day in May, motorcyclist Aldo Steinfeld took off on his Harley, riding through the Swiss Alps. This was more than just a fun ride on a gorgeous day, though. Steinfeld had something to prove.

The Harley being driven by Steinfeld didn’t have any gas in it. It was not an electric model. Instead, it used a special biofuel created by Synhelion, a company that is looking into ways to create sustainable and synthetic fuels. Steinfeld was one of those who helped create the biofuel used in his motorcycle, and the ride was a test to showcase how well it works.

The First Ride in a Carbon Dioxide-Neutral Harley

In 2014, a group of researchers created a new biofuel that is synthetic and carbon dioxide-neutral. Though they only created a tiny amount in a test tube, the idea was born. The team, consisting of Aldo Steinfeld and other researchers, then created the Synhelion company. In 2019, they created their first carbon-neutral fuel. By 2024, they were ready to show it to the world and decided to do so with a test drive in a Harley.

The Harley did not need to be adjusted to use the biofuel. The Synhelion company designed the fuel to work in existing engines for gas-powered machines, so there’s no need to swap out the engine or use any special adjustments to get the biofuel to work. It was simply put into the gas tank like gasoline would be, and the motorcycle was able to run.

When asked about the ride, Steinfeld said that it was smooth and uneventful. There were no issues using the biofuel, making it a successful test. They knew that the test was going to be successful, but they wanted to show everyone else that it could be, too. He plans to continue riding his Harley, along with other vehicles, to show off the biofuel in the coming months and years.

What is the Fuel Made From?

Fossil fuels are used to create gasoline, but as they are refined, a significant amount of carbon dioxide is released into the environment. The renewable solar fuel created by Synhelion, on the other hand, is made differently, with the goal of creating a carbon-neutral fuel that doesn’t cause further harm to the environment. It is a type of biofuel created with water and carbon dioxide. To create it, they used sunlight to create a chemical reaction that changes biomass and water into a synthesized gas. From there, it’s then liquidated and transformed into the solar biofuel that can be used in any conventional engine, including Harleys and aircraft engines.

Biofuel Compared to Gasoline

Gasoline and other fossil fuels have been used for many years, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good option. They can cause significant damage to the environment, and burning gasoline can release harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide. This contributes to climate change, is dangerous for humans and animals to breathe, and can have long-lasting impacts on soil and water when they are contaminated.

On the other hand, biofuels are being designed with the Earth in mind. They’re created using sustainable methods and are intended to replace the use of fossil fuels for transportation and other needs in the future. The goal is to create a healthier environment, cut down on pollution, and help reduce the impact fossil fuels have everywhere. Plus, they’re designed to be easy to use, so those who want to buy a used motorcycle will be able to make the switch to biofuels without risking damage or having to make major adjustments to their Harley.

Benefits of Using Biofuel

Biofuels are being created with the environment in mind, so they do have many different benefits. Some of the primary benefits of biofuels include the following.

· Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Greenhouse gases are significantly reduced with biofuels, with some studies showing they can be reduced to almost minuscule amounts compared to fossil fuels.

· Reduced Air Pollution – Biofuels do not create the exhaust fumes that are created with gasoline and related fuels, so they help to reduce air pollution. This is safer for the environment and can help to reduce the impact on the climate.

· Can Have Reduced Costs – Though biofuels are in the beginning stages of being created and developed, they show promise for being far less expensive to produce and use, helping everyone save money.

· Made From Renewable Resources – Fossil fuels are created from petroleum, which is a finite resource, so it will eventually run out. On the other hand, biofuels are made from renewable resources, so they will continue to be available far into the future.

· Harm From Spills is Reduced – Oil spills cause significant damage to the environment when they happen and have to be cleaned up because the oil will not go away on its own. Biofuels are made from biodegradable materials, though, so they will break down and disappear with time. This is much safer for the environment if a spill does occur.

What’s Next for the Biofuel and Synhelion?

Up next for Synhelion is the opportunity to transform transportation, eliminating fossil fuels and replacing them with biofuel that’s safer for the environment and far more sustainable in the long run. First, though, it’s necessary to ramp up production. The goal of the company is to ramp up the production of their fuel quickly, using it to help contribute to the amount of synthetic fuel used for aviation in Europe by 2027. They hope to continue to grow from there, continuing to replace fossil fuels as much as possible to help reduce the impact on the environment and work towards a safer and cleaner future.

Gasoline is incredibly useful and a mainstay so far in the transportation industry, but it’s also damaging to the environment. There are better options out there, including the biofuel created by Synhelion. In the coming years, more Harleys than the one ridden by Steinfeld may be using biofuels, allowing for amazing adventures that don’t contribute to harming the environment.