ICE

EV

The internal combustion engine () is apparently living its last decades, as more and more signs seem to point toward its ultimate demise. Yesterday, Toyota announced that it would cut its CO2 emissions by 90% by 2050, which means giving up on cars using ICEs other than as range extending generators for the electric motors on just some of their models.Today, a study conducted in the UK shows that no less than eight in ten (81%) 14-year-olds intend to buy anwhen the time to own a car comes. That percentage decreases as the age of the respondents grows, but it remains over 50 percent.The study was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Go Ultra Low, a campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider the acquisition of ultra-low emission vehicles. It targets both the private individual users and the fleet managers.At this point, you’re probably ready to dismiss these findings on the basis that it’s a study made by a hippie organization run by over-zealous eco-fanatics. Well, you couldn’t be any further from the truth. The campaign is a collaboration between some of the leading car manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Nissan, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen, as well as government figures.The research’s conclusions are further backed by Dr. Ian Pearson, one of the leading figures in futurology (yes, that’s a thing). He’s been doing this since 1991 and has had a very good record on the 10-year horizon predictions until now (85%).With the study results at hand, this is what he had to say: "Young people are very aware of environmental issues, and it is great that they also notice that electric cars will be cheaper to run, so it is a clear win-win. Battery technology continues to improve, and the amount of resources needed to make an electric car will continue to fall. These technology developments will all add up, greatly reducing the environmental impact of cars while making them safer and cheaper. If current trends towards electric cars continue this means that, by 2026, demand for electric cars will almost certainly outweigh demand for 'traditionally fuelled' cars."So, yeah, electric it is, then. Enjoy the V8s and even straight-fours for as long as you can, as the younger generation couldn’t care less about our dinosaurs.