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A New York-based startup, Aircela, has publicly demonstrated the first working machine in the United States capable of producing gasoline directly from air. The unveiling took place on a rooftop in Manhattan’s Garment District. The core innovation is a compact, modular unit, roughly the size of a refrigerator. Also, it integrates the entire process of direct air capture and fuel synthesis into a single, deployable device.
The machine is designed to create what the company calls “fossil-free gasoline.” It operates by pulling carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the atmosphere. Through a chemical synthesis process powered by renewable electricity and water, it converts captured CO2 into a liquid fuel. Also, its end product is fully compatible with existing internal combustion engines, requiring no modifications to vehicles or infrastructure.
Live Demonstrations Impresses High-profile Audience
This achievement was validated during a live demonstration attended by notable figures, including New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher and New York State Energy Chairman Richard Kauffman. The event demonstrated the machine’s functionality by producing real gasoline on-site and in real time. A key endorsement came from Karl Dums, a Former Senior Project Lead for eFuels at Porsche AG, who admitted his initial scepticism was overcome. He described the demonstration a “historic moment” and noted its great potential to transform society.
Aircela’s approach is a significant departure from other large-scale synthetic fuel projects. Instead of building massive, centralised production plants, the company focuses on fully modular, instantly deployable units designed for distributed production. This model aims to offer a climate-aligned alternative to fossil fuels that can be adopted without upending the current global vehicle and fuel distribution infrastructure.
The technology has attracted serious strategic investment, notably from Maersk Growth, the venture arm of the global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk. The company views Aircela’s innovation as a meaningful step toward decarbonization. A Maersk executive stated that they look forward to Aircela scaling and reducing costs. Also, he expressed his eagerness of transitioning from an investor in Aircela to a customer for their maritime fuel needs.
About Aircela
Aircela is a New York based startup founded in 2019 by Mia Dahlgren and Eric Dahlgren. The company is backed by prominent investors such as Chris Larsen, founder of Ripple Labs, and Jeff Ubben. The company’s mission is to provide a practical, drop-in solution to fossil fuels that does not require changes in consumer behaviour or massive new industrial builds.
With the successful prototype demonstration complete, Aircela has announced that initial deployments of its gasoline-from-air machines are expected to begin later this year.
Also, this milestone marks the beginning of a commercial scaling effort for what could become the technology that of the century. If successfully expanded, this invention ould offer a new pathway to reducing transportation-related carbon emissions.
Also see: SunHydrogen Unveils Breakthrough Technology In Green Energy Production
