Decarbonising the transport sector is a fundamental component of the United Kingdom’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. In 2021, transport was responsible for 26% of the UK’s total GHG emissions, with passenger cars contributing more than half of this figure. Recognising the critical need to mitigate these emissions, the UK government has implemented comprehensive policies such as the Road to Zero Strategy and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan. These initiatives set clear targets, including phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, and emphasise the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across all transport modes [1,2].

While these policies are crucial for achieving substantial emissions reductions nationwide, their implementation faces significant challenges. These challenges arise not only from infrastructural disparities but also from economic constraints and varying regional needs [3]. The widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), for instance, is more feasible in urban areas where infrastructure is more developed. In contrast, rural communities often struggle with underdeveloped power networks and insufficient charging infrastructure, making a large-scale shift to EVs more difficult [4,5]. Additionally, economic factors such as the higher upfront costs of EVs and the limited financial resources in certain regions further complicate adoption [3,6]. These obstacles are compounded by the unique mobility needs of rural populations, who rely heavily on private vehicles for essential services, employment, and social connections. The dispersed nature of these communities, coupled with longer travel distances, exacerbates concerns about range anxiety and limited access to charging facilities, making the transition to EVs particularly challenging in these settings [7,8]. Moreover, the reliance on diesel-powered machinery for agricultural and other essential transport activities in rural areas presents further challenges to decarbonisation. Tractors, harvesters, and other farm vehicles, which are crucial for rural livelihoods, are currently dependent on fossil fuels due to their high-power requirements and the lack of viable electric alternatives. The transition to electric or hydrogen-powered alternatives is hindered by both the technological limitations of these options and the lack of supporting infrastructure in remote areas [9,10].

Given these challenges, there is a growing recognition that alternative low-carbon technologies must be explored alongside the promotion of EVs to ensure the comprehensive decarbonisation of the transport sector [10,11]. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, have emerged as a promising alternative, particularly in contexts where electrification may not be feasible or practical. Synthetic fuels are produced through chemical processes that convert renewable energy sources into liquid or gaseous fuels, which can be used in existing internal combustion engines with minimal modifications. This compatibility with current infrastructure is a significant advantage, particularly in sectors and settings where the immediate deployment of EVs is challenging, such as in rural areas, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and aviation [12,13,14].

The potential of synthetic fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions lies in their ability to create a closed carbon loop [15]. By capturing CO₂ during production, synthetic fuels can significantly lower the overall carbon footprint of their use, making them a viable option for contributing to the UK’s broader climate goals [16]. This characteristic is particularly valuable in rural areas where the development of EV infrastructure may be slower or more difficult to achieve and where maintaining the existing vehicle fleet is often more practical than transitioning to new technologies [14]. Additionally, synthetic fuels can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including renewable electricity, biomass, and waste, which enhances energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and diversifying the UK’s energy mix [15,17]. However, despite their potential, the widespread adoption of synthetic fuels faces several challenges. The production processes for synthetic fuels, such as electrolysis and Fischer Tropsch synthesis [18], are currently more expensive than traditional fossil fuel production methods. This is largely due to the high costs associated with the necessary technologies and the energy-intensive nature of these processes. Moreover, the overall energy efficiency of synthetic fuel production is lower compared to direct electrification, raising concerns about the scalability of these technologies and their long-term viability as a large-scale energy solution [13,15].

To overcome these challenges, the development of a robust supply chain for synthetic fuels is critical. This includes securing sustainable feedstocks, establishing efficient production facilities, and integrating synthetic fuels into existing fuel distribution networks [19]. Policy support and investment in research and development are also essential to reducing production costs and improving energy efficiency [20]. These efforts are particularly important in rural areas, where synthetic fuels could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between current infrastructure capabilities and the ambitious goals of transport decarbonisation [13,21].

As the UK continues its journey towards a net-zero future, it is vital to explore and evaluate all viable technologies that can contribute to this goal. This entry seeks to investigate the potential role of synthetic fuels as a complementary solution to electric vehicles in the decarbonisation of rural transport in the UK. By examining the benefits, challenges, and feasibility of adopting synthetic fuels in rural settings, this entry paper aims to provide insights into how these fuels can be integrated into the broader strategy for achieving net-zero emissions. Additionally, this entry paper will explore the role of community-based initiatives, such as buying cooperatives, in supporting the proliferation of synthetic fuels, thereby enhancing their accessibility and affordability for rural communities. Through this analysis, this entry paper intends to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable transport solutions and offer practical recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and rural communities striving towards a low-carbon future.