New York–based startup Aircela have designed a refrigerator-sized machine to convert air, water and renewable electricity into motor-ready gasoline —no fossil feedstock required. The device integrates direct-air capture chemistry with on-site electrolysis and fuel synthesis, offering a decentralized alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
At its core, the system channels ambient air through a honeycomb‑like sorbent infused with potassium hydroxide, which sequesters CO₂. It then electrolyzes water into hydrogen and oxygen, releasing the latter while retaining hydrogen. Once the sorbent regenerates, the captured CO₂ and hydrogen are chemically combined into methanol and subsequently refined into gasoline, compatible with standard combustion engines and infrastructure.
Aircela’s design prioritizes efficiency and sustainability, empowering communities to generate decarbonized fuel locally, bridging the gap between current combustion demands and global emissions reduction goals. The machine isn’t about replacing EVs—it’s about rethinking how we source and produce energy in an off‑grid, climate-conscious world.
