FUTURISTIC ENGINES: A NEW ICE AGE

THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ICE HAVE GIVEN IT A NEW LEASE OF LIFE. ASHISH BHATIA LOOKS AT PERMUTATIONS AND COMBINATIONS POINTING AT A LONGER-THAN-ENVISAGED GREEN RUN.

- ASHISH BHATIA

The emphasis on transitions to net-zero emissions through EVs and Hydrogen fuel cells is at an all-time high. Far from being sidelined, the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) continue to evolve in the background and hold their own. Fuel agnostic is the majority consensus. Most recently, the renewed focus of Indian commercial vehicles OEMs on reviving ICE with combinations of natural gas and Hydrogen is a compelling reason for the suppliers and ancillaries to remain invested in innovation and real-world testing with ICE. There is an entire ecosystem dependent on it, and far from throwing the hat in the ring. The reorientation of the energy matrix and the realisation of being net-zero from well-to-wheel has sprung up new permutations and combinations. Here Hydrogen ICE seems to be the most exciting development followed by Natural Gas combinations closely following suit. The industry with ICE included is striving for widespread acceptance in fleet operations to attain emission compliances in the near term.