Repsol, BMW, and Toyota launch renewable fuel pilot in Spain

Repsol, BMW, Toyota, and Bosch have launched a six-month pilot project in Spain to test the viability of 100% renewable petrol. The experiment utilizes Nexa 95, a fuel produced from raw materials that comply with the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

The project involves approximately 20 vehicles from Toyota, Lexus, and BMW driving exclusively on the renewable fuel. The primary objective is to demonstrate that such fuels can be used in existing internal combustion engines and existing refueling infrastructures without requiring vehicle modifications. This initiative aims to provide data for European debates regarding technological neutrality and automotive decarbonization.

Bosch is participating by providing its ‘Digital Fuel Twin’ system to track and validate refueling data from vehicles and service stations. Proponents suggest that renewable liquid fuels could serve as a complementary solution to electrification, particularly for existing vehicle fleets and drivers whose needs are not met by battery electric vehicles.