he rate of global transition to EV motive power varies widely and is creating some uncertainty around the future role of liquid fuels in different markets. As the trade organisation representing the UK ' s historic vehicle sector, the HCVA( Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance) is actively engaging with the fuels policy and implementation challenges that accompany the transition to lower-carbon transport.

Central to this mission is the Sustainable Liquid Fuels Working Group, bringing together fuels specialists and industry experts. The group ' s work recognises a simple reality: for historic vehicles and motorsport, sustainable fuels offer a practical route to reducing carbon emissions while preserving the engineering heritage, skills and authenticity that define the sectors. Through the group, the HCVA connects its trade members with fuels experts to help share knowledge, and to foster engagement.

At a recent HCVA Heritage Matters event, members of the group participated in a panel discussion to highlight the current position and explored practical pathways for increasing the adoption of sustainable liquid fuels that can be used within existing internal combustion engines, without requiring significant vehicle modification. For engine rebuilders, the transition raises important technical questions around fuel compatibility, material performance, lubrication characteristics and long-term durability. Understanding how different sustainable liquid fuels interact with existing engines will be critical to ensuring reliability while reducing lifecycle emissions.

Motorsport is an early adopter and is already demonstrating what is possible with lower carbon fuels. The lessons emerging from circuits, hill climbs and rally stages are helping demonstrate the

performance, reliability and compatibility of lowercarbon fuels in demanding operating conditions. These experiences can provide valuable reassurance for engine builders, owners, event organisers and policymakers who are considering wider adoption.

While engine builders naturally have questions regarding protection, performance and long-term durability, fuel developers note that selecting a sustainable fuel is increasingly comparable to choosing from the wide range of conventional fuels already tailored to different engine applications.

Sustainable liquid fuels are not a future concept and the technology required to scale sustainable liquid fuel production already exists. However, greater policy certainty and long-term investment signals will be needed if the sector is to realise its full potential. After all, the journey to net zero is multifaceted and will require multiple pathways – a fact highlighted by the EPP Group in the European Parliament calling for a technology-neutral approach to decarbonising road transport.

Clearly, much more needs to be done to support the entire existing ICE road transport fleet and sustainable liquid fuels industry. Through the Sustainable Liquid Fuels Working Group, the HCVA is helping ensure that engine builders, vehicle owners and policymakers have access to the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate this transition and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy historic vehicles in an environmentally responsible way.

You can play a role in shaping that future by joining us at hcva. co. uk. Dale Keller CEO, Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance

Pics: Coryton