Keeping internal combustion alive: Manufacturer efforts

In a world where automotive technology is rapidly shifting towards electrification and sustainable alternatives, the fate of the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) seems uncertain. As countries, particularly in Europe, enforce laws and agreements for carbon-neutral transportation by 2030 or 2035, car manufacturers face the challenge of keeping ICE relevant. Here, we look and delve into the innovative efforts of some prominent automakers, such as Toyota, Honda, Porsche, Mazda, and Dacia, who are exploring cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen power and synthetic fuels to ensure that ICE continues to have a place in the future of mobility.

Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid technology, is now venturing into hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines. During the ninth round of the World Rally Championship in Ypres, the company showcased the GR Yaris H2, a special version of the Toyota GR Yaris powered by a hydrogen engine. Behind the wheel was none other than Toyota's President, Akio Toyoda, accompanied by former WRC champion Juha Kankkunen as the co-driver.

Taking on challenging rally roads in Belgium, the GR Yaris H2 demonstrated the potential of hydrogen-powered ICE vehicles, even in motorsports.

Toyota has even fielded a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla in the Super Taikyu Fuji 24h Race. Although improvements still need to be made, it's a great step forward in what hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines can do, especially in motorsports.

Additionally, Toyota has the Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicle, showcasing its commitment to hydrogen technology for real-world usage. By combining hydrogen's environmental benefits with the familiarity of internal combustion engines, Toyota seeks to keep the ICE relevant in the ongoing quest for sustainable transportation.

Toyota has always been vocal that pure electrification is not the only way to carbon neutrality, and their investment in hydrogen technology is proof of that.

Honda, another automotive giant, has been at the forefront of green technology for years. With the FCX Clarity, Honda ventured into hydrogen fuel cell technology as early as 2008. Although the FCX Clarity is primarily a fuel-cell electric vehicle, Honda's foray into hydrogen shows its openness to experimenting with different solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

Porsche, a brand synonymous with high-performance vehicles, is not leaving the ICE behind in its pursuit of sustainable mobility. Rather than abandoning conventional engines, Porsche is investing in synthetic fuels known as eFuels. These fuels are made from water and carbon dioxide using wind energy, enabling near CO2-neutral operation of petrol engines.

Porsche's e-fuel plant in Chile signifies the company's commitment to developing a nearly carbon-neutral alternative for existing vehicles with combustion engines. Initially, the eFuel production is modest, but scaling up is planned to meet substantial demands in the future. Additionally, Porsche has showcased the viability of synthetic fuels by using them in racing events like the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and even powering a Cayman GT4RS in an ice rally.

Mazda is yet another automaker embracing synthetic carbon-neutral fuel in the pursuit of keeping ICE engines alive. The company is participating in the ENEOS Super Taikyu Series and has introduced the synthetic-fuel-powered Mazda MX-5 Miata equipped with the brand's naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

By evaluating the fuel in a competitive racing environment, Mazda aims to refine and optimize synthetic fuels for broader applications in the future. This step showcases the company's commitment to exploring alternative solutions that can sustain ICE engines while meeting environmental goals.

Even budget-conscious automakers like Dacia are joining the movement to keep ICE relevant. Dacia plans to participate in the grueling 2025 Dakar Rally with a heavily modified Sandero in the motorsport category. This endeavor shows that even in the most demanding motorsport events, ICE can play a vital role with the right modifications and fuels.

There are no details yet as to the exact specifications that Dacia will use, but it seems like a promising commitment.

The drive towards electrification and sustainable mobility might seem like the end of the road for the traditional internal combustion engine. However, automakers' efforts in exploring innovative technologies, such as hydrogen power and synthetic fuels, present a promising path forward. As the European Union allows the sale of new cars running on synthetic fuels post-2035, it provides a viable alternative to the outright ICE ban.

The ongoing tinkering and advancements in hydrogen and synthetic fuel technologies could eventually make them feasible alternatives for the millions of combustion-powered cars already on the roads. By harnessing the potential of hydrogen and synthetic fuels, car manufacturers can uphold the legacy of the internal combustion engine while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the automotive industry. Ultimately, these efforts will ensure that ICE remains a vital component in the evolving landscape of transportation.

From a car enthusiast's perspective, all these efforts mean that we can still live, see, and feel the emotion that we usually associate with full ICE vehicles.