The automotive industry is in transition. Despite notable and laudable improvements to the internal combustion engine (ICE), that technology is on its way to obsolescence in favor of battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs). The newer technology, however, is still in the development phase. For a successful transition to faster, greener, cheaper energy, it is vital for power generation to be reconciled with environmental issues. Several alternative fuels are under research. Possible solutions range from hydrogen combustion to biodiesel, methanol, and other alternative natural gases, which might reconcile eco-friendly concerns about large power production. The objective is to increase the range between charges to either equal or exceed that of the gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. Achieving this transformation seamlessly is a significant undertaking facing a massive industry.
The Growing Demand for Greener, More Efficient Power Solutions
A combination of consumer demand and increasing regulatory pressures fuels the drive for more sustainable, carbon-reduced energy in the automotive sector. The rise of EVs is at the forefront of this transformation, driven by advancements in battery technology, matched by government regulations incentivizing EV adoption. Companies like Tesla have led the charge, putting all investments toward EV production instead of legacy organizations still adapting from traditional ICEs and balancing both approaches. The focused investment of EV startups and organizations like Tesla has proven that EVs can deliver high performance and environmental benefits. As battery costs have decreased and range has improved, EVs have moved from niche markets to becoming more widely adopted and are now beginning to challenge the dominance of ICEs. It’s projected that by 2030, more than 25 percent of passenger cars purchased will be electric.
While EVs are currently at the forefront of this movement, they represent only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, and other low-carbon technologies are being actively researched as potential solutions to complement or even replace traditional powertrains. This evolution is driven by stringent emissions regulations and global initiatives to combat climate change. The industry’s focus on alternative energy sources marks a critical step toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, where the balance between power, efficiency, and environmental responsibility is paramount.
Automotive organizations across the entire manufacturing ecosystem face the daunting task of balancing innovation’s rapid pace with the need for cost-effectiveness, ensuring that new technologies are environmentally friendly and economically viable. The supply chain is deeply interconnected, creating a widespread effect that increases costs in every sector. While engines and powertrains are affected by increasing demand and regulations for sustainable power, every part of a vehicle is impacted, from software to material sourcing. The impact of rising costs is evident when the average new vehicle purchase is $47,000 in 2024, as opposed to $38,000 in 2019. This balance is crucial for the mass adoption of sustainable options. Consumers and businesses seek solutions that deliver on performance without compromising affordability or sustainability.
Challenges with Current and Rising Alternative Fuels
R&D for viable alternative fuels has become a priority for sustainable practices in the automotive industry. The industry is exploring a diverse range of alternative fuels, each offering distinct advantages and challenges:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs). EVs currently lead the charge toward a greener future, but they are not without their own set of issues. The carbon footprint associated with battery production, reliance on rare earth materials, and infrastructure challenges such as already overloaded electrical grids and lack of charging stations are significant hurdles that need to be addressed. For example, the Boston area announced an investment of $50 million in 2024 to build EV charging infrastructure across Massachusetts. These costs only represent one U.S. city, so the significance of domestic and global infrastructure adaptation is massive.
- Hydrogen Combustion. This is emerging as a potential game-changer, offering high energy output with zero emissions. Significant safety and storage challenges remain, and further research is required to make hydrogen a viable mainstream option. Safe and cost-effective storage challenges represent a significant investment for organizations looking to incorporate hydrogen. It’s vital to note that hydrogen requires significant energy consumption to position it as a viable alternative fuel. Different processes are typically referred to by color, including green, pink, and blue. Green hydrogen is created through electrolysis with electricity from renewable sources. Pink hydrogen is derived through electricity produced by nuclear energy, and blue hydrogen is created by energy from fossil fuels that capture the greenhouse gases made in the process. Grey hydrogen is the most prevalent in the marketplace today, created using steam methane reformation without carbon capturing.
- Propane and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Because CNG options are cost-effective and widely available, they are worthwhile alternatives, particularly for fleet vehicles. CNG-powered cars emit at least 20 percent fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline-powered cars. Their application may be limited to specific use cases due to lower driving ranges and energy density. That said, in those use cases, they are highly effective production-level vehicles in operation, particularly in places like Europe, where government initiatives are still in progress. Investment in improving these energy-harnessing and storage processes is essential for widespread adoption.
- Methanol. Methanol offers an innovative approach to waste stream diversion, converting waste into usable fuel. Despite its potential, concerns over toxicity and efficiency may restrict its broader adoption.
- Nuclear Power. Nuclear power is a controversial power source when it comes to sustainability, but stricter carbon footprint regulations are also driving the exploration of this low-carbon alternative as a potential clean energy source. France’s reliance on nuclear energy is a valuable case study, deriving approximately 70 percent of its electricity from nuclear energy and 17 percent from recycled nuclear fuel. Driven by energy security policy and because of the low cost of generation, France is the world’s largest net exporter of electricity. France gains over 3 billion euros annually from this, illustrating how strategic policy alignment can significantly reduce a nation’s carbon footprint while maintaining energy efficiency.
Transitioning to alternative fuels in the automotive industry presents a complex array of tradeoffs to be carefully managed. Environmental hazards, such as the risk of battery fires in EVs and the toxic emissions from specific production processes, underscore the importance of not allowing the pursuit of greener energy to introduce new dangers. Safety concerns are equally critical, particularly regarding hydrogen storage and the management of EV batteries. There is no plug-and-play transformation for alternative fuels. Holistic safety standards account for different challenges and risks associated with materials and processes. These risks require ongoing advancements in technology and the implementation of rigorous safety standards. It is imperative to balance the speed at which new technologies are adopted against these safety and environmental risks. While rapid innovation is desirable, a cautious approach is necessary to avoid setbacks that could undermine consumer confidence in green technologies.
Industry Standardization and Research Drive the Future of Power Transformations
A combination of government support, rigorous research, and strategic leadership will shape the future of automotive power. All of this comes together to establish the industry standards organizations can use as a roadmap for future progress. Effective leadership is crucial in any transition; it is vital for leaders to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future. It is also critical for leaders to ensure that organizational goals are aligned with both environmental and economic realities, driving holistic evaluations of carbon footprints and making sustainability a core tenet of their business strategy.
Government policies, regulations, and subsidies are essential in steering research and development toward sustainable energy solutions and well-established industry standards. Supportive policies can catalyze the adoption of new technologies, helping the industry stay on a sustainable path while encouraging innovation. This impacts every facet of the automotive industry. According to Coatings World, recent regulations mandating the manufacturing of electric vehicles have encouraged collaboration for pigments manufacturers, pigments processors and converters, and plastics masterbatch companies with customers throughout the supply chain to meet technical requirements for new products. As policies trickle through the industry, transformations will become more viable and cost-effective.
Achieving long-term sustainability in the automotive industry goes beyond the adoption of sustainable technologies as a “one-and-done” solution. It demands a strategic commitment to a fully integrated system that balances all objectives of sustainability, efficiency, and safety. Predictive analytics and futureproofing ensure that the company remains capable of delivering on its environmental promises.
Invest in Adaptability
The automotive industry’s shift toward faster, greener, cheaper power solutions is a complex balancing act. It is critical for holistic carbon footprint evaluations to exceed consumer-facing metrics to fully gauge environmental impact. Government policies and subsidies are crucial in shaping the adoption of alternative fuels, but standardization and infrastructure improvements are equally essential. A clear, strategic vision and effective leadership will drive sustainable progress as organizations navigate these challenges. The future of green power hinges on addressing these complex and interconnected issues while staying adaptable to an ever-evolving marketplace.
About the Author
Mike Daugird is the Engineering Manager of ACS’ Facility Engineering Group. He is responsible for ensuring that the electrical needs of clients are addressed through proper design, construction, and start-up, with a clear understanding of the client’s budget, schedule, design criteria, and project specific requirements. He has specified the following on past projects: medium voltage distribution systems, building power and lighting, life safety, fire alarm and emergency power systems, facility security, building access systems, data transmission, audio/visual systems, and telecommunications systems. For more information, call (608) 663-1590 or visit http://www.acscm.com.
Disclaimer: The author is completely responsible for the content of this article. The opinions expressed are their own and do not represent IEEE’s position nor that of the Computer Society nor its Leadership.
