The Volkswagen Group is going big on E-fuels, with Porsche leading the charge to keep combustion engines alive in iconic models like the 911 using these eco-friendly alternatives. Now Audi has filed a patent with the European Patent Office for a sensor system for E-fuel-capable cars that checks if you have the right stuff in the tank and prevents the car from starting if the wrong fuel is detected.
The Challenge of Fuel Mix-Ups
Fueling mistakes are partly prevented by different nozzle and receptacle sizes for gas and diesel in most markets, but it’s still possible to accidentally fill up with Regular instead of Premium. However, no such safeguard exists yet for the new generation of E-fuels that manufacturers like Porsche plan to adopt. While most cars would compensate for Regular fuel by cutting power and limping on, engines designed for E-fuels could suffer damage if you feed them the wrong brew.
How Audi’s Sensor System Works
Audi’s patent aims to protect E-fuel engines from damage caused by regular gasoline. It describes an array of sensors that can determine if the correct fuel is in the fuel tank by detecting the density of the fuel, whuch must fall within the specific range for approved E-fuels. It additionally employs a two-float system in the tank as an additional measure to detect the fuel type. The system won’t allow the engine to start if the wrong fuel is in the tank.
Stop-Gap Solution
While the system can’t stop you from filling up with the wrong fuel, it does prevent engine damage by ensuring the car won’t start until the incorrect fuel is drained. While this won’t be ideal, it at least eliminates the risk of accidentally driving off and harming the engine. It’s a stop-gap solution at most, but it’s better than nothing.
