Most of these engines are likely to be used as generators in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles.
The other 30% will be accounted for by fully-electric vehicles.
This is a result of policy changes and a slower-than-expected EV adoption rate.
We have known for a while now that the expected ban on gasoline engines in new cars by 2035 won’t be happening, and Bosh believes that up to 70% of new vehicles sold in North America ten years from now will still feature combustion powertrains.
Indeed, the German automotive equipment supplier expects fully-electric models to account for only 30% of new vehicle sales on the continent in 2035, a result of relaxed emissions requirements, the abandonment of EV incentives in the United States and Canada, as well as a reduction in demand for this technology.
Instead, the company thinks most new vehicles will be hybrids and range-extended EVs, which use an internal combustion engine to charge the batteries and allow longer trips without charging stops.
This transition can already be seen, with numerous automakers announcing upcoming hybrids and REVs instead of new electric models.
For example, Scout Motors says most of the pre-orders it has received for its Terra and Traveller electric truck and SUV include the option of a range extender.
Furthermore, Ram chose to shelve its electric pickup truck, which was well on its way to the market, in favour of the 1500 REV, a truck that will feature both a 92-kWh battery and a 3,6L V6 engine that will be used solely as a generator.
Even more striking: Ford’s recent decision to cancel the current electric F-150 Lightning to replace it next year with a range-extended model like Ram’s.
Nissan also has plans to introduce its similar e-Power hybrid system to North America in the next generation of the Rogue compact crossover.
Conventional hybrids are also gaining in popularity, with Toyota offering a hybrid version of 17 of its 22 models currently offered in Canada. More telling: 8 of these vehicles can only be ordered with an electrified powertrain, including the popular RAV4 and Camry.
Similarly, Honda has started to make its hybrid system standard on more and more trim levels of its smaller models, such as the Civic, the CR-V and the Accord. The new Prelude sports coupe will only be available with this powertrain.
While any gasoline engine means a vehicle will generate tailpipe emissions, series hybrids and range-extended EVs are significantly more efficient and cleaner than traditional internal combustion powertrains and even conventional hybrids.
Indeed, since their gasoline engine never directly powers the wheels, it can be made to run at a constant speed when needed to charge the batteries. This, in turn, means that engineers can tune the engine with this specific speed and load in mind, allowing for greater efficiency and lower emissions.
Source: Motor1.com
