ICE car is a vehicle with an Internal Combustion Engine. The acronym ICE is composed of the initials of the words.
This engine consists basically of a series of pistons moving in a cylindrical space that contains a metered amount of fuel and air mixed together. When compressed, this mixture turns into a number of explosions that generate mechanical power to move the vehicle. This explosion is ignited when a spark plug generates an electric discharge inside each cylinder causing, in turn, the combustion process.
ICE cars have been around for over 125 years and nowadays they account for 95% of traffic in the world. But, what happens when this technology is no longer sustainable?
To answer this question, we have to remember that, among the factors contributing to climate change, one of them is cars. The emissions from vehicles cause a considerable effect on global warming and they contribute substantially to smog production. In fact, car emissions make up approximately 14% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Diesel engines emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline engines but they release more particles into the air. According to a report issued by the WHO (World Health Organization), air pollution causes 7 million deaths each year worldwide due to environmental risks such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases. A study published by Forbes revealed that car emissions are one of the most dangerous pollutants in the US with respect to human health since they cause 155,000 premature deaths per year.
ICE cars are responsible for a considerable contribution to climate change and air pollution.
In order to reduce the number of ICE cars on the streets, many countries have implemented incentives for electric vehicles. In 2016, China made it mandatory that most manufacturers must produce electric or hybrid cars from 2019 onwards. The reason behind this decision is that China has been affected by extreme levels of smog and air pollution that have been affecting its citizens on a daily basis. In fact, the smog in Beijing has been so severe that children were banned from outdoor activities, and parents were advised to keep them indoors on certain days of the week.
Although currently, electric vehicles are more expensive than ICE cars, their prices are expected to drop as technology advances. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this trend will start being noticeable between 2022 and 2027. Experts hope that between 2025 and 2030 we'll totally ban ICE cars and turn our attention to EVs and plug-in hybrids.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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