Why Internal Combustion Engines Remain the Dominant Power Source in Automotive Industry

The automotive industry traditionally relies on internal combustion engines (ICEs) for power, a practice deeply rooted in the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of these engines. In the age of growing environmental concerns and the push towards electric vehicles (EVs), the predominance of ICEs in cars raises questions: Why are automobiles still predominantly powered by these older technologies, and is there merit to sticking with fossil fuels over more modern alternatives?

Electric Motors vs. Internal Combustion Engines: A Comparison

Today's automobiles use a combination of electric motors, primarily for auxiliary functions such as vehicle start-up and windshield wipers, but not for driving. The use of batteries and electric vehicles (EVs) surged post-COVID as a response to the global green movement, although these technologies were not as prominent before the pandemic.

The rush towards EVs stems from concerns over fossil fuel consumption and environmental impact. However, the process of generating electricity from fossil fuels often negates the environmental benefits. Traditional ICEs, when burning fossil fuels, generate the electricity necessary to power electric vehicles (EVs), effectively skipping several steps in the sustainable energy chain. This raises a pertinent question: If the goal is to save the planet, why not bypass the middle step and use direct electric propulsion?

Reasons for Dominance of Internal Combustion Engines

The reluctance to completely replace ICEs with electric vehicles can be attributed to several factors, including the inefficiency of turbines and the high cost of manufacturing.

Turbines, while efficient in certain contexts like aviation, are not ideal for ground transportation. Turbines encounter significant inefficiencies at low altitudes and are costly to produce, rendering them financially unviable for most vehicular applications. For instance, a single turbine engine for a commercial aircraft like the Airbus A350 can cost upwards of $60 million, while diesel engines in large ships cost approximately $10 million each. These figures underscore the stark inequities in cost and utility between turbine and piston engines.

The inherent nature of vehicles, characterized by constant acceleration and deceleration, makes them less suitable for turbine operation. Vehicular propulsion requires a flexible system capable of adapting quickly to changing speeds and loads, which turbines struggle to achieve due to their fixed power output and the need for high-speed rotation.

Factors Contributing to the Reliability and Cost of Internal Combustion Engines

The cost of ICEs cannot be overlooked. For example, a mid-1960s Chrysler turbine engine cost nearly as much as a Rolls-Royce. The inherent complexity and specialized nature of these engines made them prohibitively expensive for mass production. Moreover, the market for high-end ICE-powered vehicles never emerged, primarily due to the affordability and vast availability of gasoline, which remains significantly cheaper than even the cheapest vodka.

In contrast, diesel engines in trucks and ships remain the most efficient non-electric engines available. Diesel engines offer superior power-to-weight and power-to-volume ratios, making them ideal for large-scale, high-load applications. This efficiency, combined with the lower cost of diesel compared to gasoline, explains their continued use in these industries.

Conclusion

The dominance of internal combustion engines in the automotive industry is a result of a complex interplay of factors, including technological limitations, cost inefficiencies, and market dynamics. While electric motors and turbines have their merits, especially in specialized applications like aviation, ICEs currently hold the upper hand in ground transportation due to their efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the balance between these competing technologies will undoubtedly shift, driven by ongoing advancements in engineering, economics, and environmental awareness.