In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine vehicles and explore solutions that could replace fossil fuels.
The Third Industrial Revolution and Electric Vehicles
At a time when environmental issues such as global warming caused by fossil fuels have become critical global concerns, we are experiencing yet another industrial transformation. This transformation is referred to as “The Third Industrial Revolution,” characterized by the development of new renewable energy technologies and digitized production methods. While previous industrial revolutions enabled mass production based on steam engines and electricity, the Third Industrial Revolution is having a profound impact on the economy and society as a whole through resource efficiency, eco-friendly technologies, and decentralized production systems.
In particular, one of the core elements of the Third Industrial Revolution is the energy transition. Driven by the expansion of renewable energy and efficient resource use, fundamental changes are taking place across all industries, and these changes are deeply permeating our daily lives. Among these, the automotive industry is one of the sectors undergoing the most significant transformation amid this revolution. The traditional internal combustion engine vehicle market is gradually being replaced by the electric vehicle market. In this article, we will examine the trends in the automotive industry, analyze the current issues facing electric vehicles, and propose the direction the future automotive market should take.
The Introduction and Failure of Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles, which emerged in the late 2000s, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, focusing on improving fuel efficiency through the use of two engines. A prime example is Toyota’s Prius. In 2009, when the hybrid vehicle market share reached 2.8%, this model accounted for 1.4% of that share—half of the total—and was regarded as a successful model. However, despite this initial success, the hybrid vehicle market has gradually declined since 2009 and currently holds only a negligible market share.
The failure of hybrid vehicles stems from their inability to deliver the economic efficiency or performance that consumers expected. Additionally, the fact that hybrid technology failed to provide the anticipated environmental benefits also acted as a limiting factor. This serves as an example demonstrating that the automotive industry cannot guarantee success through technological innovation alone. It serves as a lesson that even technological innovation struggles to survive in the market if it fails to meet diverse consumer demands and environmental and economic requirements.
The Emergence and Issues of Electric Vehicles
Despite the failure of hybrid vehicles, automakers began launching electric vehicles that completely replace internal combustion engines. A prime example is GM, which introduced a model that applied an electric motor to an existing compact car, touting the fact that such electric vehicles produce no emissions while driving as a key advantage. However, electric vehicles also harbor several issues. In this article, we will examine the problems with electric vehicles by dividing them into three categories: 1) They are not a fundamental solution to the energy problem, 2) The time and financial burdens associated with building new infrastructure, and 3) Lack of consumer value.
They Are Not a Fundamental Solution to the Energy Problem
While electric vehicles are gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative, there is a lack of consideration regarding the origin of the electricity itself. Currently, most electricity is produced at thermal power plants, which still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Although it is positive that electric vehicles do not use fossil fuels, there is a limitation in that they cannot ultimately solve environmental problems if fossil fuels are still used in the process of generating that electricity.
For example, the overall efficiency of electric vehicles (0.267–0.410) is only slightly higher than that of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (gasoline: 0.2, diesel: 0.3). While this may reduce greenhouse gas emissions to some extent, it does not solve the problem of fossil fuel depletion.
The Burden of Infrastructure Development
Commercializing electric vehicles requires a large-scale charging infrastructure. However, building charging stations involves enormous costs, and charging times are significantly longer than traditional refueling times. For example, installing a DC Fast Charging Station costs approximately $60,000 (about 63 million KRW). Furthermore, since current technology requires over four hours to charge an electric vehicle, there is an additional burden of having to significantly expand the number of charging stations. This can place a significant time and financial burden on both consumers and the government.
Lack of Consumer Value
Cars are viewed as more than just a means of transportation; they are seen as symbols of power, fashion, luxury, and personal expression. However, electric vehicles fail to provide the diverse experiences that consumers can obtain from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The quiet and monotonous driving sensation of an electric motor struggles to match the thrill and dynamism offered by internal combustion engine vehicles. A prime example is the Tesla Roadster, which boasts outstanding performance but has disappointed consumers because its actual fuel efficiency is only one-third of the advertised figure.
Price is also an issue with electric vehicles. For instance, GM’s electric compact car, the Spark EV, costs approximately 40 million won. In contrast, the internal combustion engine version of the same model can be purchased for around 10 million won. If electric vehicles fail to offer consumers significant appeal beyond fuel savings despite their high price, they will struggle to remain competitive in the market.
An Alternative to Electric Vehicles: Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
So, what is an alternative in the automotive market that can solve energy problems while remaining attractive to consumers? The answer is the hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle (HICEV). Hydrogen vehicles use the same method as conventional internal combustion engines, but replace the fuel with hydrogen to generate explosive energy. When hydrogen is burned, the only emission is pure water, causing absolutely no pollution. This could serve as a fundamental solution capable of addressing both environmental and energy issues simultaneously.
Although hydrogen fuel production technology is still under development, requiring significant energy for production and storage, hydrogen vehicles hold great potential once technology advances and fuel costs decrease. Unlike electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles can deliver explosive power and the unique driving feel characteristic of internal combustion engines, making them more appealing to consumers.
BMW launched the Hydrogen 7 model in 2007, which utilized hydrogen internal combustion engine technology, demonstrating the commercial viability of hydrogen vehicles. As technology advances, hydrogen vehicles are likely to establish themselves as a sustainable alternative in the automotive market.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are one of the key technological innovations that emerged amid the Third Industrial Revolution. However, they have clear limitations due to their inability to provide a fundamental solution to energy issues, the burden of building charging infrastructure, and a lack of consumer value. In contrast, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles are gaining attention as an alternative for the future automotive market because they can provide the unique driving experience of an internal combustion engine without causing pollution. Moving forward, the automotive industry must move in a direction that satisfies both consumers and the environment through even more innovative technologies amid the competition between electric and hydrogen vehicles.
