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The (only) future for the car is green.
A new era is about to begin for the car industry. The current social and economic circumstances faced by the world have precipitated events. The model must change from black to green.
The car industry has come to a dead end. The current model has shown its inability to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Volatile oil prices, climate change and, in particular, the collapse of the sector as a result of the global economic crisis are accelerating a process which has been gestating for years in offices and laboratories. This process was not implemented before because of the self-complacency of manufacturers and the connivance of politicians.
In 2008, roughly 60 million vehicles were sold in the world and, for the first time in history, more cars were registered in the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) than in the United States. It is estimated that there currently are around 600 million vehicles on the world’s roads, a figure which, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), could reach 2,900 million by 2050 due to the strong economic growth experienced by the emerging economies. There obviously isn’t enough oil to fuel so many cars.
An unsolved dilemma
The other major issue is climate change. The Copenhagen summit failed to solve the dilemma and a reaction is urgently needed. Many leaders –with the European Commission at the head– have turned this issue into an obligation. All vehicles registered in Europe as of 2012 may not emit more than 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, an ambitious objective that will cost thousands of millions of Euros. To meet this objective, the whole concept of car engineering must be reconsidered: reducing the materials employed and tolerances, eliminating unnecessary parts and components and developing new ones. Many are convinced that the car of the future is practically a reality. The problem is assuming the cost.
There will be various versions of the 2.0 car: some will plug into the grid, many will only use third-generation biofuels and the most advanced will use hydrogen. The options are many. Apart from the imminent arrival of the electric car –which will be on the road with all the guarantees as of 2010– and the launch of the second-generation of hybrids –with 2 engines–, close attention must also be paid to such technologies as the fuel cell (battery), which experts regard as the authentic car of the future, although we need to wait a few more years before that happens.
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Published in Cars, Ships and Aviation by Marco O. Brik on 08/03/2010
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