The combustion engine has revolutionized mobility and shaped our world over the last 130 years. But in the face of climate change and rising CO2 emissions, it is increasingly being criticized. Is the combustion engine a discontinued model that will disappear from the scene? Or can it be part of the solution for a climate-neutral future with the help of innovative technologies?
In the following, we shed light on the current challenges, highlight technological advances and discuss how the combustion engine can find its place in sustainable mobility.
Table of contents
Environment and regulation: the major challenges
Emissions and climate change
The transport sector is responsible for around 20% of global COâ‚‚ emissions (as of 2022), with a large proportion coming from vehicles with combustion engines. Emissions from air and sea transport are not included in this figure.
Source: Federal Environment Agency (see here)
Regulatory measures
In order to curb climate change, many countries have introduced strict emission limits. The European Union, for example, is planning to ban the sale of new vehicles with combustion engines from 2035. These developments pose major challenges for the automotive industry and consumers.
Innovations and technological advances
Increased efficiency
Modern combustion engines are significantly more efficient than their predecessors. Thanks to technologies such as direct injection, turbochargers and variable valve timing, fuel consumption has been significantly reduced. Hybrid drives combine combustion engines with electric motors to further increase efficiency and performance.
Exhaust gas aftertreatment
Advances in exhaust gas purification, such as SCR catalytic converters and particulate filters, significantly reduce pollutant emissions. These technologies make it possible to comply with strict emission limits and minimize environmental impact.
Alternative fuels
The development and introduction of alternative fuels such as eFuels, biofuels and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils (HVO) open up new possibilities. These fuels can be produced using renewable energies and are compatible with existing engines and infrastructures.
The role of eFuels and synthetic fuels
The game changer for the combustion engine?
eFuels and synthetic fuels offer a promising opportunity to make the combustion engine more climate-friendly and accelerate the decarbonization of the transport sector. They enable an immediate reduction in new CO2 emissions without having to wait for the full transition to new vehicle technologies and infrastructures.
A technology-neutral approach that considers eFuels alongside electric mobility and other alternatives can tackle the challenges of climate change more effectively. However, investment in research, infrastructure and policy support is crucial to realize the full potential of eFuels.
Japanese companies such as Toyota and Mitsubishi are already investing in the research and introduction of eFuels to promote sustainable mobility by 2030. This underlines the international interest and potential of this technology
Combustion engine vs. electric car: competition or complement?
Life cycle assessment
While electric vehicles are locally emission-free, the production of batteries generates considerable CO2 emissions. In addition, the environmental balance depends heavily on the electricity mix. Internal combustion engines with eFuels can have a similar or even better carbon footprint in terms of new CO2 emissions, especially if eFuels are produced with renewable energies.
Infrastructure and resources
- Charging stations vs. filling station network: The expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles requires considerable investment. The existing filling station network can continue to be used for eFuels.
- Raw material requirements: Batteries require rare earths and metals such as lithium and cobalt, the mining of which can be environmentally and socially critical. eFuels reduce dependence on such raw materials.
Areas of application according to technology
- City traffic: Electric vehicles are well suited for short distances and urban traffic.
- Long-distance and heavy-duty transportation: This is where combustion engines come into their own, especially when powered by eFuels.
Mobility for all: social justice through technological diversity
Electric vehicles are often more expensive to buy than vehicles with combustion engines.
Used electric vehicles are still rare, which makes it difficult for people on lower incomes to access them. The possibility of operating existing vehicles with eFuels in a climate-friendly way promotes social justice.
The automotive industry is an important sector of the economy, especially in countries such as Germany.
Maintaining and further developing the combustion engine can secure jobs and promote innovation.
In rural regions, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is often inadequate.
eFuels enable climate-friendly mobility without infrastructure bottlenecks and thus offer an important alternative.
Future scenarios: What will the mobility of tomorrow look like?
Scenario 1: Complete electromobility
Opportunities:
- Reduction of local emissions
- Promotion of renewable energies
Grenzen:
- Infrastructure requirements
- Dependence on raw materials
- High acquisition costs
Scenario 2:
Technology mix
Advantages:
- Utilizing the strengths of different technologies
- Flexibility
- Faster transition to climate neutrality
Implementation:
Combination of electric vehicles, eFuels, biofuels and hydrogen
Scenario 3: Continuation of the status quo
Risks: Failure to meet climate targets, environmental pollution, economic disadvantages due to innovation backlog.
Internal combustion engine:
Farewell or a new beginning?
The combustion engine is at a crossroads. While it faces major challenges, innovations such as eFuels offer the opportunity to lead it into a climate-friendly future. A technology-neutral approach that utilizes the advantages of different drive types can accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility and take social and economic aspects into account.
The future of mobility is not one-dimensional. By combining different technologies and being open to innovation, we can create sustainable, efficient and socially just mobility for all. The combustion engine, supported by eFuels and other innovations, can be an important building block in this.
The question is not whether the combustion engine has had its day, but how we can integrate it into the mobility of tomorrow through innovation and responsibility.
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