Gasoline powers more than 90 percent of vehicles worldwide. It fuels transportation, supports industries, and plays a key role in daily life.
However, gasoline has a serious environmental impact. It releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, pollutes the air, and contributes to climate change.
Many efforts to replace gasoline with electric or alternative fuels face challenges. These include the need to build new infrastructure and the high cost of upgrading vehicles.
A New York-based company called Aircela says it has found a solution.
Last week, Aircela revealed a new machine in Manhattan’s Garment District. The device makes gasoline directly from the air.
The machine is about the size of a refrigerator. It is compact and modular, combining air capture and fuel production in one system.
It runs on renewable electricity. The gasoline it produces can be used in any existing gasoline engine without changes.
Karl Dums, a former Porsche executive, said he was doubtful at first. “I wish you all the success in the world, but I can’t believe this is going to work,” he said, according to Aircela’s press release.
But he later changed his mind. “Fortunately, I was wrong. Aircela has earned my full respect,” he said. “This is the start of a long and important journey. Its impact is still greatly underestimated today.”
Designed to Work Anywhere
Aircela’s machine is different from traditional synthetic fuel plants. Instead of large, central factories, it is meant for local production.
The machine pulls carbon dioxide straight from the air and turns it into clean gasoline on site.
This fuel has no sulphur, ethanol, or heavy metals. It works in any gasoline engine without needing new infrastructure.
“We didn’t build a prototype. We built a working machine,” said Aircela CEO Eric Dahlgren. The system is plug-and-play. It can operate in homes, businesses, or factories with little setup.
Strong Industry Support
Aircela has attracted major investors. These include Chris Larsen, founder of Ripple, and activist investor Jeff Ubben.
It also receives support from Maersk Growth, the investment branch of Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk.
“We invested in Aircela because of their innovative way to produce low-emission fuels using direct air capture,” said Morten Bo Christiansen, Senior Vice President at Maersk.
Built on Decades of Science
The technology behind Aircela is based on the work of physicist Klaus Lackner. He is a pioneer in capturing carbon dioxide from the air.
Lackner attended the launch event to explain how the machine works. Aircela’s system uses his research but makes it practical and ready for real-world use.
Founded in 2019 by Mia and Eric Dahlgren, Aircela moved quickly from development to testing. Early investors helped the company bring the technology to life.
Deployments Planned for Fall 2025
Aircela plans to start deploying its machines by fall 2025. The first units will serve off-grid, commercial, and industrial customers.
These users want fossil-free fuel that does not require big changes to their current systems.
