In the context of the third industrial revolution, electric vehicles have gained prominence as an environmentally friendly alternative, but they are not a fundamental solution to the energy problem, and the charging infrastructure and consumer value have not been met. In contrast, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles are being seen as a potential solution to both environmental and consumer needs.

The Third Industrial Revolution and electric vehicles

At a time when environmental issues such as global warming caused by fossil fuels are becoming a major global concern, we are experiencing another industrial transformation. It’s called the Third Industrial Revolution, and it’s characterised by the development of new renewable energy technologies and digitised production methods. While the previous industrial revolution enabled large-scale production based on steam engines and electricity, the third industrial revolution is having a profound impact on the economy and society at large through resource efficiency, cleaner technologies, and decentralised production systems.
In particular, one of the key elements of the Third Industrial Revolution is the energy transition. Based on the expansion of renewable energy and the efficient use of resources, fundamental changes are taking place across industries, and these changes are permeating our daily lives. The automotive industry is one of the sectors undergoing the most significant changes in this revolution. The traditional internal combustion engine car market is gradually being replaced by the electric car market. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the automotive industry is changing, analyse the current problems with electric vehicles, and suggest where the market is headed in the future.

The introduction and failure of hybrid cars

Since the late 2000s, hybrid cars have combined an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, with the focus on increasing fuel efficiency through the use of two engines. Toyota’s Prius is a prime example. It was hailed as a success in 2009, accounting for 1.4 per cent of the market when the hybrid car market share was 2.8 per cent. However, despite this initial success, the market for hybrid cars has gradually declined since 2009 and now accounts for a negligible market share.
The failure of hybrid cars has been attributed to their inability to deliver the economic efficiency or performance that consumers had hoped for, but also to the fact that hybrid technology has not delivered the environmental benefits that were expected. This shows that the automotive industry cannot rely on simple technological innovation alone to ensure success. The lesson is that even technological innovation cannot survive in the market if it does not meet the diverse needs of consumers and environmental and economic requirements.

The rise and challenges of electric vehicles

Despite the failure of hybrid vehicles, automakers have begun to introduce electric vehicles that have completely replaced the internal combustion engine. GM, for example, has introduced electric motors in its existing light vehicles, with the advantage that these vehicles produce no pollution while driving. However, electric vehicles also present a number of problems. In this article, we will discuss the problems of electric vehicles in three parts: 1) they are not a fundamental solution to the energy problem, 2) the time and financial burden of building new infrastructure, and 3) the lack of consumer value.

Not a fundamental solution to the energy problem

While electric vehicles are being touted as a greener alternative, there is a lack of consideration of where the electricity itself comes from. Currently, most electricity is generated by thermal power plants, which still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. While it’s positive that electric vehicles don’t use fossil fuels, they are limited in that they don’t solve the ultimate environmental problem if fossil fuels are still used to generate that electricity. For example, the total efficiency of an electric vehicle (0.267 to 0.410) is only slightly higher than that of a conventional internal combustion engine car (0.2 for petrol and 0.3 for diesel). This may reduce greenhouse gas emissions somewhat, but it does not solve the problem of fossil fuel depletion.

Infrastructure burden

A large-scale charging infrastructure is needed to make electric vehicles commercially viable. However, electric charging stations are very expensive to build, and the charging time is much longer than conventional petrol. For example, a DC fast charging station costs around $60,000 to install. Furthermore, with current technology, electric vehicles require more than four hours to charge, which puts additional pressure on the need to significantly expand the number of charging stations. This is a huge time and financial burden for both consumers and the country.

Lack of consumer value

More than just a means of transport, cars are seen as a symbol of power, fashion, luxury, and personal expression. However, electric vehicles do not provide consumers with the range of experiences they get from conventional internal combustion engines. The quiet, monotonous ride of an electric motor cannot match the thrill or dynamism of an internal combustion engine vehicle. The Tesla Roadster, for example, is a great performer, but its real-world fuel economy is only one-third of its advertised figure, disappointing consumers.
Price is also an issue with electric vehicles. For example, GM’s Spark EV, an electric light vehicle, costs around $40,000. In contrast, the same model of internal combustion engine car can be purchased for around 10 million won. If an electric vehicle does not offer much appeal to consumers other than fuel savings despite its high price, it will not be able to compete in the market.

Alternatives to electric vehicles: hydrogen internal combustion engines

So what is the alternative in the automotive market that can solve the energy problem and still be attractive to consumers? The answer is hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles (HICEVs). HICEVs work by replacing the fuel in a conventional internal combustion engine with hydrogen to create a burst of energy. When the hydrogen is burned, the only emission is pure water, and it produces zero pollution. This could be a radical solution to both environmental and energy problems.
Currently, hydrogen fuel production technology is still developing, so it takes a lot of energy to produce and store the fuel, but it has great potential as the technology improves and fuel costs come down. Unlike electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles can provide explosive power and a driving feel that is unique to internal combustion engines, making them more appealing to consumers.
BMW launched the Hydrogen 7 model in 2007, which uses hydrogen internal combustion engine technology, demonstrating the commercial viability of hydrogen vehicles. With future technological advances, hydrogen vehicles have the potential to become a sustainable alternative in the automotive market.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are one of the most important technological innovations to emerge from the third industrial revolution. However, they have clear limitations due to their inability to provide a fundamental solution to the energy problem, the burden of building charging infrastructure, and the lack of consumer value. On the other hand, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles can provide the driving experience of an internal combustion engine without causing pollution, making them a promising alternative for the future automotive market. In the future, the automotive industry will need to develop more innovative technologies to satisfy both consumers and the environment in the face of competition from electric and hydrogen vehicles.