The Swedish startup Aircela has developed a machine that produces 3.6 litres of petrol daily from air, water, and renewable electricity. The device, the size of a refrigerator, captures 10 kg of CO₂ per day and generates carbon-neutral fuel.
A machine the size of a large refrigerator is capable of producing 3.6 litres of petrol a day using only air, water, and renewable electricity. The Swedish startup Aircela, founded in 2019 by engineers Mia and Eric Dahlgren, presented the device in May 2025 and plans to launch it in the United States by the end of 2026.
The system captures approximately 10 kilograms of CO₂ daily from the atmosphere and transforms it into a liquid fuel compatible with internal combustion engines without the need for modifications. According to the company, the fuel is carbon-neutral because the CO₂ emitted when burned was previously extracted from the air.
The process combines three existing technologies: direct air capture (DAC), water electrolysis to obtain hydrogen, and the MTG (methanol to gasoline) process, which converts the synthesized methanol into petrol through catalysis. The integration into a compact unit is Aircela's main innovation.
The company has raised at least $5.54 million in two funding rounds, according to PitchBook data cited by Observer. Notable investors include Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple; Jeff Ubben, an institutional investor focused on sustainability; and Maersk Growth, the venture capital arm of the Danish logistics giant.
Maersk Growth's involvement is particularly relevant as it highlights interest in synthetic fuels not only for cars but also for shipping and aviation, sectors that are difficult to electrify. Aircela's machine could generate fuel on-site for fleets, remote bases, or facilities without access to refineries.
The e-fuels market has several competitors, such as HIF Global, Twelve, Prometheus Fuels, and Carbon Recycling International. Most are betting on large industrial plants. Aircela stands out for its ultra-decentralized approach: a unit that can operate in homes, businesses, or remote areas, eliminating transportation and logistics costs.
The company plans to manufacture between 50 and 100 units for pilot implementations in the next two years, focusing on early adopters and technical demonstrations. The goal is not immediate mass production but to validate the product in niches where full electrification is not viable and compatibility with existing engines is key.
For startup founders in the energy and clean technology sector, Aircela is an example of how to integrate mature technologies into a compact and marketable product. The innovation lies not in inventing new processes but in packaging them in a useful and accessible way.
The resulting synthetic fuel can be used in conventional vehicles and the current distribution infrastructure. Each litre produced is carbon-neutral, according to the company's official statement. The final price has not been revealed, but it is expected to be competitive as production scales.
Limited commercial availability will begin in the United States by the end of 2026. The company has not confirmed plans for Europe or other markets, although interest from international investors suggests potential future expansion. Meanwhile, the sector is closely watching whether the technology can scale and reduce costs sufficiently to compete with fossil fuels.
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