Coffee-Powered Car Hits 65 MPH Using Bean Machine Engine

Forget charging stations or gas pumps—what if your morning brew could also fuel your commute? At an event hosted by UK food retailer Co-operative Food, a 1960s Ford F100 pickup fitted with a custom Bean Machine engine zoomed past the competition, hitting a top speed of 65 miles per hour (about 105 kilometers per hour). That’s not just fast for a retro truck—it’s officially the fastest coffee-fueled vehicle ever recorded.

The answer is yes—sort of. A coffee-powered car really did hit 65 mph, thanks to a modified Ford F100 pickup equipped with a special Bean Machine engine. This record-setting run proves that, under the right conditions, waste from coffee production can be turned into a functional vehicle fuel.

What Exactly Is Coffee Fuel?

When we say “coffee fuel,” we’re not talking about brewing up a pot and pouring it in your tank. The actual fuel comes from a byproduct of coffee production—similar to how rice farming produces rice husks. This leftover material, when heated, breaks down into hydrogen and carbon monoxide—both flammable gases that can, in theory, power an engine.

How the Bean Machine Engine Works

The Bean Machine engine isn’t your standard internal combustion setup. Built specifically for this project, it’s engineered to burn the gases released from heated coffee waste. While the exact mechanics are proprietary, the process involves extracting combustible gases from coffee byproducts and using them to drive a modified engine block. The Ford F100 used in the test is a classic 1960s model retrofitted with this cutting-edge (and caffeine-infused) technology.

Why This Record Matters

Hitting 65 mph is more than a fun stunt. It proves that coffee-based fuels can produce enough energy to power a vehicle at highway speeds. That’s a big deal for anyone exploring alternative fuels, especially those derived from food production waste. While you won’t be filling up at a coffee station anytime soon, this experiment shows real potential for turning agricultural leftovers into usable energy.

What’s Next for Coffee Cars?

Don’t expect to see coffee-powered cars rolling off dealership lots next year. The Bean Machine engine is still highly experimental. The technology works—in the lab and on a test track—but scaling it up for daily use faces huge challenges. From sourcing enough consistent coffee waste to building engines that meet safety and emissions standards, there’s a long road ahead before your morning latte fuels your morning commute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did a real car really run on coffee and hit 65 mph?

Yes. At an event organized by UK supermarket Co-operative Food, a modified 1960s Ford F100 pickup equipped with a Bean Machine engine reached a top speed of 65 miles per hour (approximately 105 km/h), setting a record for the fastest coffee-fueled vehicle.

What part of coffee is actually used as fuel?

It’s not brewed coffee. The fuel comes from a coffee production byproduct—similar to rice husks or sawdust—that, when heated, releases hydrogen and carbon monoxide. These gases are combustible and were used to power the engine in the record-setting car.

Is the Bean Machine engine available commercially?

Not yet. The Bean Machine engine was built specifically for this project and is still experimental. It proves the concept works but is far from being a consumer-ready technology.

Could coffee waste really replace gasoline someday?

Potentially, but not soon. While coffee waste can be turned into usable fuel gases, challenges like consistent supply, engine safety, emissions control, and infrastructure make large-scale replacement of gasoline unlikely in the near future.

Why use coffee waste instead of other biofuels?

Coffee waste is an abundant byproduct of a major global industry. Using it for fuel could help reduce waste and create energy from materials that would otherwise be discarded, making it an interesting option in the broader biofuel conversation.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Fuel-Curious Brewers

If you're as fascinated by coffee innovation as you are about fuel experiments, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, berry-forward cup. Both are single-origin coffees that highlight the complexity of coffee beyond just drinking—perfect for fuel-curious minds. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.