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The Power of Technological Innovation

In: Road to Net Zero

Author

Listed:
  • Jörg Franke

    (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Peter Wasserscheid

    (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Thorsten Ihne

    (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Peter Lamp

    (BMW AG)

  • Jürgen Guldner

    (BMW AG)

  • Oliver Zipse

    (BMW AG)

Abstract

Achieving the urgent need for rapid decarbonization to meet the 1.5 °C target requires disruptive technological change. In the automotive industry, technological progress is closely linked to improved sustainability, and sustainability goals drive the need for technological innovation. However, new technologies in the mobility sector are fraught with uncertainties that challenge both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their stakeholders, such as suppliers, customers, and policy-makers. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the technical, economic, and environmental evaluation of alternative powertrain concepts and the management of uncertainties associated with emerging technological innovation as part of the broader transition to net zero. Electric mobility plays a central role in the sustainability transition and is characterized by a high degree of variance. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to dominate private transport in the future due to their greenhouse gas and pollutant-free operation and high efficiency. In addition to charging infrastructure, the technical challenges currently lie primarily in cell chemistry and power electronics. Advances in battery technology and infrastructure electrification will help eliminate the range problem in the future. Another important future fuel is hydrogen. One application is the fuel cell vehicle, which combines the advantages of a chemical energy carrier with high gravimetric energy density with those of an electrical energy converter. Hydrogen also plays an important role as an energy carrier for specific energy supply processes in manufacturing processes and simplifies the transport of regeneratively generated energy. In addition, hybrid vehicles are a transitional technology, and alternative fuel internal combustion engines can contribute to the decarbonization of the existing fleet and to specific applications. This chapter assesses the performance of alternative powertrains; highlights the interrelationship between powertrain systems, energy ecosystems, and sustainability goals; and identifies future research directions for electric and hydrogen mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Jörg Franke & Peter Wasserscheid & Thorsten Ihne & Peter Lamp & Jürgen Guldner & Oliver Zipse, 2023. "The Power of Technological Innovation," Springer Books, in: Oliver Zipse & Joachim Hornegger & Thomas Becker & Markus Beckmann & Michael Bengsch & Irene Feige & (ed.), Road to Net Zero, chapter 8, pages 215-264, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-42224-9_8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42224-9_8
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