In a Hybridized Future with Alternative Fuels: Is the SI Engine the Winning Concept?

The characteristics of petrol engines have closed up with the Diesel engine, in particular with regard to CO2 emissions. This is mainly due to the application of similar technologies for both, including downsizing with turbo charging and highly flexible direct injection, as well as advanced aftertreatment systems. State-of-the-art technologies deliver an excellent driving experience with low fuel consumption.
In the future, this level of performance will change continuously and considerably due to lower CO2 targets and increased costs for conventional fuels as well as stricter exhaust emission levels. A model examination shows the remaining development potential of IC engines and helps to define the future role of combustion engines within powertrains. In parallel with growing hybridization, the combustion engine will preserve its importance by complying with new fuel compositions. These fuels also can serve as energy carriers to enable the use of energy gained from renewable resources under refueling conditions that are customer friendly. In the future, these conditions and the infrastructure will also play an important role in the growth of vehicle fleet electrification. The combustion engine will remain an essential element of the fleet thanks to its capability to run on fuels with highest energy densities.