Clearing the air: ICE vehicle myths busted

The automotive industry is at a crucial juncture, with shifts in technology, sustainability, and consumer preferences driving significant changes. While much of the recent conversation has been on the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative power sources, the importance of internal combustion engines (ICE) remains deeply rooted in the world’s transportation systems. 

ICE vehicles: a pillar of mobility

For over a century, internal combustion engines have been the foundation of the modern automotive industry, powering millions of cars, trucks, and buses that keep the world moving. Even as newer technologies emerge, ICE vehicles remain an essential component of mobility. Their versatility, affordability, and reliability make them indispensable, especially in regions where alternative vehicle options may not yet be feasible or widely adopted.

In many developing regions, where infrastructure and income levels present significant challenges, ICE vehicles provide practical, cost-effective transportation solutions. Countries like India, with its large population, still rely heavily on ICE-powered vehicles to meet daily mobility needs. ICE vehicles offer accessible mobility for personal and commercial use and they provide a practical means of transportation for millions of families, small business owners, and daily commuters who depend on reliable vehicles to sustain their livelihoods.

The dominance of ICE vehicles in such regions is not merely a function of tradition. Rather it is a matter of practicality and necessity. These vehicles allow individuals and businesses to continue operating smoothly, ensuring that mobility challenges do not hinder economic progress.

Economic impact and affordability

The economic significance of ICE vehicles extends far beyond individual consumers. They serve as the backbone of industries that drive economic growth, including logistics, transportation, agriculture, and retail. Their ability to move goods and people efficiently and affordably supports commerce and trade in both developed and developing economies.

For small businesses and enterprises, ICE vehicles are often the most viable option. They have been relied on for years, offering a range of vehicle models that cater to different business needs, from passenger vehicles to heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Additionally, the maintenance and repair infrastructure for ICE vehicles is well-established and widely available, providing support and reducing operational downtime for businesses. 

Furthermore, the ICE vehicles offer a fantastic second-life benefit with great resell value as well as great end life value due the high price of metal scrapping the vehicle receives. Every part of an ICE vehicle can be recycled and reused leading to minimum wastage and enhanced ownership benefits. 

Also, established network of maintenance services, parts suppliers, and fuelling stations makes ICE vehicles a practical choice for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those involved in logistics and delivery services. These businesses rely on the dependability of ICE vehicles to operate in demanding environments, where long distances, varying terrain, and the need for quick turnaround times are daily realities.

Ushering in an era of ‘Green ICE’

Internal combustion engines have come a long way since their inception, and ongoing innovations continue to enhance their performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Advances in engine design, fuel efficiency, and emissions control technologies have transformed ICE vehicles into highly efficient machines capable of meeting modern regulatory standards without sacrificing the core benefits they offer.

Innovations such as turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and variable valve timing have allowed ICE vehicles to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions, making them more environmentally friendly than ever before.

CNG and LPG fuels for ICE have been turning points that ensure the least tail-pipe emissions. The notion that ICE vehicles are ‘dirty polluting vehicles’ is completely dissed with the success of CNG and LPG vehicles and the every growing infrastructure for it. LPG is also easily available as it is by-product of natural gas and crude oil processing. In a recent announcement, the ministry for petroleum and natural gas announced that India is set to have around 17,500 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and approximately 120 million Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections by the year 2030.

Another notable area of development is the hybridisation of ICE technology. Hybrid vehicles, which combine internal combustion engines with electric power, provide a balanced solution that offers the benefits of both technologies. These vehicles deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emissions, while retaining the range, power, and refuelling convenience of traditional ICE vehicles. By integrating ICE and electric components, hybrids offer a flexible solution for consumers who are not yet ready to transition fully to electric vehicles but still want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Moreover, the automotive industry is exploring other alternative fuels, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, which can further reduce the environmental impact of internal combustion engines. These cleaner fuel options highlight the adaptability of ICE technology and its potential to play a role in a more sustainable future.

A balanced future for ICE and emerging technologies

The future of the automotive industry is not about choosing between internal combustion engines or other forms of propulsion. It is about finding a balance that allows various technologies to thrive based on the unique needs of different regions, industries, and consumers.

As the automotive landscape evolves, manufacturers are committed to making ICE vehicles even more efficient and environmentally friendly. Investments in hybrid technology, cleaner fuels, and improved engine designs will ensure that ICE vehicles remain a viable option for consumers and businesses well into the future. By embracing innovation in both ICE and EV technologies, the automotive industry can offer a range of solutions that address the diverse mobility challenges faced by global consumers.

Amit Sagar, EVP, CV Domestic Business and Retail Finance – Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd. Views expressed are the author's personal.