The End of Internal Combustion Engines: A Shift to Electric Vehicles
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Electric Vehicles
The transition from the internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs) is a significant technological shift that is long overdue. In 2020, EVs constituted less than 5% of total vehicle sales. However, this figure climbed to 9% in 2021 and reached 14% in 2022, with projections for 2023 suggesting a potential 20% market share. This consistent growth rate, exceeding 35% annually, could propel sales to over 14 million units.
According to a recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), it is anticipated that nearly all new vehicle sales by 2030 will be electric. This shift will leave traditional petrol and diesel vehicles as aging relics, increasingly susceptible to wear and tear. The era where conventional cars could last a decade has become a thing of the past, with spare parts for their complex and fragile systems becoming harder to obtain, especially as these vehicles fail to meet stringent emissions standards.
Section 1.1: Impact on Fossil Fuel Demand
This irreversible transition will lead to a 40% reduction in the total demand for fossil fuels, which has sparked alarm among oil-producing nations and companies. Historical data reveals that the largest oil demand does not stem from commercial shipping, aviation, or industrial sectors, as the automotive industry might suggest, but rather from the cars we drive daily. These vehicles waste approximately 80% of the energy generated through combustion, primarily as heat. Removing these inefficiencies could significantly alleviate the fossil fuel crisis.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Early Days of Electric Vehicles
Historically, electric vehicles gained traction soon after the advent of the automobile, demonstrating clear advantages over steam-powered models. In contrast, ICE vehicles were perceived as cumbersome, noisy, and environmentally detrimental. Their inefficiency has contributed to severe public health and environmental issues over the years, including the climate crisis and respiratory illnesses.
Chapter 2: The Future Without Internal Combustion Engines
The urgency to phase out internal combustion engines and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels has never been clearer. A shift towards a rental and autonomous vehicle model would enhance efficiency and rationalize usage. Nonetheless, the immediate focus should be on retiring harmful technologies. Governments and regulators must act decisively—accelerating timelines for banning ICE sales, tightening restrictions on the most polluting vehicles, and applying pressure on manufacturers as EV technology continues to advance.
The first video, "Why Gas Engines Are Far From Dead - Biggest EV Problems," delves into the ongoing challenges facing electric vehicles despite their rapid growth.
The second video, "Is this the end of the internal combustion engine? — The Carmudgeon Show — Ep. 40," explores the potential future of vehicles powered by electric engines.