The need for cleaner, more efficient transportation is rising, making automakers embrace sustainable alternatives such as electric vehicles (EVs) and other new energy solutions. This transition not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also shows the changing consumer preferences and stricter global regulations.

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) have been the backbone of the automotive industry for years. They power nearly all cars, trucks, and heavy machinery globally. However, this engine design is becoming outdated as environmental concerns intensify and new technologies arrive.

The shortcomings of ICEs have long been a drawback, as they largely contribute to air pollution and global warming. This is because ICEs operate by burning fossil fuels, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants, exacerbating public health concerns and environmental challenges.

As governments and regulators begin to recognise the severity of these impacts, they are putting out strict policies to cut out the most polluting vehicles.

For instance, several countries and regions have introduced legislation to ban the sale of new ICE vehicles by 2035. This puts additional pressure on manufacturers to fast-track the development and adoption of EVs.

Here’s an overview of why and how the automotive industry is making this transition and what it means for the future of mobility.

Why Shift Away from Internal Combustion Engines?

Below are some of the key factors causing automakers to transition from traditional ICEs:

• Environmental Concerns

The transportation sector is one of the major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. It accounts for 16% of global greenhouse emissions, particularly because of fuel combustion in vehicles. Moving from ICEs to alternative energy sources will help to reduce these emissions and contribute to global sustainability efforts.

• Government Regulations

Countries around the world have implemented stricter emissions standards and are incentivising automakers to invest in green vehicles. For instance, the European Union, China, and California have set ambitious goals to cease new ICE vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier.

Singapore joined the Collective 2030 Zero-Emission Vehicle Deployment Goal at COP27 in 2022 to phase out ICE vehicles by 2040. Norway is the world trailblazer in setting a national goal for zero-emission vehicles by 2025.

• Advancements in Technology

Thanks to developments in battery technology and renewable energy sources, EVs have now become more viable than ever. Batteries are now lighter, more efficient, and longer lasting, making EVs practical for daily use. For evolving battery chemistry, researchers and engineers are fine-tuning and improving lithium-ion batteries, and key developments include solid-state, silicon anode and lithium-sulphur batteries.

Market Demand

Because of the growing awareness about climate change and environmental preservation, more consumers are choosing eco-friendly vehicles. This has shifted consumer preference and encouraged automakers to adapt to the new demand for cleaner options.

Exploring Electric Vehicles and Alternative Energy Sources

Reputable companies like General Motors, Volkswagen, and Toyota are investing billions in EV research and development. For example, Ford is building new production facilities to expand its EV lineup. These facilities focus on building high-capacity batteries, vehicle platforms specifically designed for EVs, and advanced software systems for enhanced vehicle control.

As battery technology is crucial for the success of EVs, automakers are working on developing longer-lasting and faster-charging batteries. The three core technologies of new-energy vehicles – battery, electric motor, and electric control – which BYD is the world’s first carmaker to master, and is a world leader in producing 16GWh capacity of power batteries annually.

While EVs are leading the way, alternative energy sources are also part of the vision for sustainable mobility. These include:

• Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Heavy-duty and Long-haul Vehicles

Heavy trucks and long-haul transport often require greater power and range than current battery technology can provide. Hydrogen fuel cells offer the perfect solution as they provide a similar range of about 1,000km to diesel trucks but with zero emissions.

Companies like Nikola and Hyundai are exploring hydrogen technology for commercial vehicles. Though hydrogen infrastructure is still limited, continuous research and development are making it more viable for future use.

• Biofuels and Synthetic Fuels

Quite a number of companies are already researching biofuels and synthetic fuels as a way to power ICEs more sustainably. For example, Porsche has invested in synthetic fuels that can significantly reduce emissions using existing ICE technology. While not entirely emissions-free, these fuels offer a potential low-emission alternative for specific applications.

• Solar Power Integration

Automakers like Lightyear and Aptera are integrating solar panels into vehicles, which allows them to recharge partially using sunlight. Although this is not a sufficient replacement for traditional charging, solar-assisted vehicles could extend EV range and reduce the frequency of charging stops.

Challenges in the Transition to EVs

While the transition to electric and alternative energy vehicles is a great innovation to a more sustainable future, it has its obstacles too. Some of these obstacles include:

• Battery Resource Constraints

EV battery production relies on lithium, cobalt, and other rare earth elements, which are very limited. Mining these materials has environmental impacts, and demand for them is expected to rise significantly. This has led to the search for alternative battery solutions, such as solid-state batteries and sodium-ion batteries.

• Infrastructure Limitations

To truly gain widespread adoption of EVs, there has to be a robust charging infrastructure and hydrogen fuelling stations in place. Building these facilities is costly and would require coordination among governments, automakers, and private companies.

• Affordability

Although prices for EVs are falling compared to when they first arrived, not a lot of consumers can afford them. While incentives can help bring the costs down, affordability will remain a concern for consumers in developing countries.

• Consumer Acceptance

For many drivers, switching to EVs means a huge change in behaviour and lifestyle. However, automakers are working to address range anxiety and charging convenience to make the transition as smooth as possible.

With EVs, hydrogen fuel cells, and other alternative energy sources becoming increasingly popular, the automotive industry is ready for a major transformation. This transition offers a future that promises cleaner, more sustainable, and new forms of transportation.