Internal combustion engines: a role to fill for transport in an energy conscious environment

Abstract

This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of internal combustion engines (ICE) as the power-plant for vehicles with respect to energy consumption, energy transfer efficiency and energy source. Comparisons to electric and other alternatives drive systems are discussed. Significant technological gains in electric control and motor efficiency in recent times has brought the electric vehicle in its many forms to a position where it can compete on nearly all vehicle performance levels with a conventional ICE-powered vehicle. The electric vehicle’s niche has shifted from a novelty or performance constrained vehicle to one which can fill the role of a general-purpose vehicle for most applications. Unfortunately, the most significant barrier to widespread use of electric vehicles is yet to be overcome. In spite of extensive research into electrical energy storage devices, none of sufficient capacity and appropriate physical properties is yet available at viable cost to allow fully electric vehicles to attain the endurance to make them attractive as the sole vehicle for most consumers’ needs. Internal combustion engines possess significant and enduring benefits for vehicles. In spite of physically limited available efficiency improvements, internal combustion engines still represent a very viable option for vehicle power plants into the future. In a full analysis, ICE vehicles can compete with electric vehicles, especially if the IC fuel can be generated in a way where the energy transfer compares, in a life cycle analysis, with the energy transfer of electrical storage devices required for electric vehicles.