Editor's Note #3: EV and ICE have to Co-Exist

I believe Akio Toyoda was prescient in saying the future isn’t all about EVs.

We all know the benefits, as well as the harms, of EVs already. It is not a clear cut story of being the cleaner option. Emissions produced during the whole life cycle of the car, including production, have to be accounted for. While we may reduce pollution in cities, we simply move it to somewhere else - where the energy is being produced.

It seems like the whole industry is moving relentlessly in this EV direction though, as if motivated by some unseen force. Of course, we know this can only be galvanised by governments and, in turn, legislation. I think it’s quite unwise to be so invested in one solution. It seems like Harry Metcalfe agrees, too.

Thankfully, some car companies see alternatives. Porsche, for example, has invested in its own e-fuels production facility in Chile, even though it is fully into the EV narrative. But it also understands that the 911’s heart and soul would be lost without an ICE engine.

What this means is basically allowing ICE cars to consume carbon neutral fuels and actually being as clean, if not cleaner, than EVs, lifecycle wise. I think this is a good idea. After all, not all situations call for an EV. There are specific use cases for each solution. And what of hydrogen?

Let’s work towards a multi solution future, not just a single one.