WILL THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE SURVIVE?

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours delves into the future of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the challenges facing electric vehicles (EVs). Special guest Brett Smith from the Center for Automotive Research posits that ICE vehicles will remain relevant for several decades, citing their effectiveness in various conditions and the ongoing cost and technological hurdles for EVs. The panel discusses the potential for hybrids to be a "best of all worlds" solution, but notes that the complexity and cost of dual powertrains might lead manufacturers to abandon them in favor of full electrification. Consumer apprehension towards EVs is highlighted, stemming from range anxiety, charging infrastructure concerns, and a general lack of trust compared to familiar gasoline vehicles. The discussion also touches upon the significant investment required for battery production and recycling, the dominance of trucks in the US market, and the transformative, albeit controversial, impact of Tesla and Elon Musk on the automotive industry. The episode concludes with a prediction of a potential "mega-mess" in the EV market around 2022-2023 due to an oversaturation of models and consumer unpreparedness, followed by a period of digestion and eventual stabilization.