Technology: Will more diesels be built in 2030?
FUTURE Experts often disagree about the speed of technological change in car drive systems. More combustion engines may be built in 2030 than today.
Representatives of the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Kraftfahrzeug und Motorentechnik (WKM) are angry. In their new position paper "The future of the combustion engine - assessment of the diesel engine situation", it becomes clear just how unrealistic the current hostility towards combustion engines could be. They assume that "according to all predictions, more combustion engines will be built worldwide in 2030 than today". Intensive research and further development will therefore be required in order to maintain technological leadership.
Emotional reporting
27 professors from German, Austrian and Swiss universities who work as institute directors, heads of departments or chairs in the field of automotive and engine technology have signed the position paper. They all want to provide the public with scientific findings and an assessment of the facts in "the ongoing, intensive discussion about combustion engine emission issues".
The WKM is disturbed by the development that "instead of sober, fact-based information, we are seeing predominantly biased and highly emotional reporting". The association now wants to counter this with "based on the current state of scientific knowledge": "The combustion engine was and is the engine of mobility, freight transport and mobile machinery. This role is supplemented, but not replaced, by electric drives. A technology-open further development of drive systems is a prerequisite for a successful climate policy in a prosperous society."
Consideration of CO2-emissions
The WKM views "with great concern the discussion trend towards a ban on the combustion engine". Such a ban, for example in 2030, would have a detrimental effect on the fight against climate change. Instead of a ban, the WKM advocates a holistic and honest view of CO2-emissions for the provision of energy and the production and disposal of drive systems. Synthetic and biogenic fuels should play an important role in further reducing CO2-reduction.
