‘Infernal’ combustion no more

Continuous improvements to the 130-year-old ICE aim to keep conventional engines ahead of electric drive.

By 2025, 90% of vehicles sold in the U.S. will be powered by conventional internal-combustion engines (ICEs), reckons Margo Oge, Director of the U.S. EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. The remaining 10% will be divided between hybrids (8%) and battery electric vehicles (EVs), the latter accounting for a mere 2% of sales.

Car makers' crystal balls typically align with that of Oge. The shift toward electrification is progressing much more slowly than was expected by EV proponents, which is why the industry continues to devote significant resources for improving the efficiency of the 130-year-old ICE.