Gasoline Will Not Go Away Anytime Soon

While automakers continue to work toward improving fuel economy in their vehicles through the use of hybrid, electric and alternative fuel technologies, they're not planning to ditch gasoline engines anytime soon.

The advantages of the gasoline engine currently outweigh the benefits and expense of alternative technologies. Additionally, the automakers believe that they can find additional efficiencies within the operation of the gasoline engine to both increase fuel economy and decrease harmful CO2 emissions.

Automakers are currently working on the development of a homogenous charged compression ignition engine, which would all but eliminate the need for spark plugs, and would allow a gasoline engine to operate more like a diesel engine. Automakers are also looking to improve overall fuel economies by offering more diesel engines, especially in larger vehicles.

Diesels don't provide a long-term solution, however. Diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline, and while it does provide about one-third better fuel economy, it also generates more harmful emissions. The automakers are outfitting diesel models with scrubbing technologies that capture harmful emissions before they leave the vehicle, but these technologies are considered to be a stop-gap measure.

Gas-electric hybrids are contributing to the overall picture, however. One major advancement that the automakers hope to exploit further is the redevelopment of systems that now rely directly on engine power for their operation. Electric steering, direct drive for the wheels and electrification of other accessories like the AC compressor, could substantially increase fuel economy.

Many automakers predict that hydrogen will ultimately power most vehicles, but agree that the infrastructure for storing and delivering hydrogen, along with convenient processes for generating hydrogen are needed before this can become a reality. Until that time, gasoline engines are likely to play a major role in automotive designs.


Source: CNN Money
Photo Credit: Ove Topfer