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Challenges, Potential and Opportunities for Internal Combustion Engines in China

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  • Fuquan Zhao

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    Tsinghua Automotive Strategy Research Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Kangda Chen

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    Tsinghua Automotive Strategy Research Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Han Hao

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    Tsinghua Automotive Strategy Research Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    China Automotive Energy Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Zongwei Liu

    (State Key Laboratory of Automotive Safety and Energy, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
    Tsinghua Automotive Strategy Research Institute, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China)

Abstract

With the increasing pressure on the automotive industry due to energy consumption, environmental pollution and climate change, internal combustion engines, which occupy a dominant position in traditional automotive powertrains, are facing considerable challenges from battery electric powertrains. This paper presents an in-depth analysis and objective interpretation of the challenges, potential and opportunities for internal combustion engines in this point. Specifically, the global automotive industry is approaching the “Power 2.0 era”, and multiple powertrains will coexist for a long time. The relationships between the various powertrains are complementary rather than simply competitive in China. Only by optimizing the product and technology combination can the best solution be obtained to meet the increasingly stringent regulations and the escalating needs for mobility. At the same time, internal combustion engines will continue to play an important role in the development of the automotive industry, and they have the potential for further improvement in plenty of areas, such as thermal efficiency, emissions and electrification. Internal combustion engines will undergo an important evolution toward high efficiency through fixed-point operation, system simplification and cost reduction. In addition, the electrification of powertrains, the upgrading and diversification of fuel designs, and the development of intelligent and connected technologies will bring unprecedented opportunities for making the internal combustion engine more efficient, green and clean to better serve society in the near future.

Suggested Citation

  • Fuquan Zhao & Kangda Chen & Han Hao & Zongwei Liu, 2020. "Challenges, Potential and Opportunities for Internal Combustion Engines in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:4955-:d:372991
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    3. Alexandru Cernat & Constantin Pana & Niculae Negurescu & Gheorghe Lazaroiu & Cristian Nutu & Dinu Fuiorescu, 2020. "Hydrogen—An Alternative Fuel for Automotive Diesel Engines Used in Transportation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-21, November.
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