This blog post examines the necessity and possibility of hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, which are emerging as environmentally friendly means of transportation.
Technological Advancement, Environmental Pollution, and the Search for Alternatives
In modern society, the development of technology has brought many conveniences, but at the same time, it has become a factor that exacerbates global warming and climate change. Various efforts are being made around the world to protect the environment, but excessive resource consumption and pollutant emissions remain serious problems. As a result, it has become urgent to develop technologies to reduce pollution in automobiles, industries, livestock, and various other fields.
In this context, former US President Ronald Reagan made an interesting argument. He said, “About 80% of air pollution comes from carbon dioxide from plants. Therefore, there is no need to set emission standards that are too strict for the resources used by humans,” emphasizing the importance of natural carbon dioxide emissions. However, President Reagan emphasized the need for the world to reduce emissions of various harmful pollutants, not just carbon dioxide, in order to preserve the environment. His remarks show a somewhat complex view of the causes and solutions of pollution, and have sparked a discussion on the idea that nature and humans are both sources of pollution.
Among the various sources of pollution, automobiles are currently attracting attention as a sector that has a significant impact on environmental pollution. The internal combustion engine in a car burns fuel, emitting pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, causing air pollution. This has led to the occurrence of smog in densely populated cities, posing a direct threat to people’s health. Environmental experts have been looking for various ways to reduce pollutants, and hybrid cars are emerging as a powerful alternative in this process.
Principles and Advantages of Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor with an internal combustion engine and were developed to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric motor is mainly used at low speeds or when driving in urban areas, while the internal combustion engine is used for long-distance driving. This reduces fuel consumption and minimizes emissions. Hybrid cars, in particular, have the ability to automatically stop the engine when the vehicle is stopped, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption. These technological features make hybrid cars a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
For example, the electric motor in hybrid cars saves gasoline by using energy when the vehicle starts or stops. While driving, the electric motor recharges the battery, and above a certain speed, the internal combustion engine provides the main power. This mechanism greatly improves fuel efficiency compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. On average, hybrid vehicles save 20-30% of fuel compared to conventional vehicles, which has a positive impact on the environment.
Hybrid cars are also effective in reducing carbon emissions. In general, cars that use gasoline emit about 2.38 kg of carbon dioxide per liter, while hybrid cars emit less carbon dioxide because they use less fuel. Electric vehicles, in particular, are attracting attention as completely pollution-free vehicles, but pollutants are still generated in the process of producing electricity. In comparison, hybrid cars are suitable for long-distance driving while reducing emissions, and are suitable for various driving environments in and out of cities.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: The eco-friendly alternative of the future
Currently, hybrid cars are spreading around the world, but ultimately, a transition to more eco-friendly hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is needed. Hydrogen-powered cars are pollution-free vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel and emit only water into the air. Since they use hydrogen as an energy source, they do not rely on fossil fuels and emit almost no pollutants into the air. Hydrogen-powered cars are still in the early stages of development, but as technology advances, they are likely to become the main mode of transportation in the future.
The Role of the Government and Policy Recommendations
Government policy support is essential to protect the environment and create a sustainable future. To promote the spread of hybrid and hydrogen fuel vehicles, the government can consider the following measures. First, it should provide tax breaks to buyers of hybrid vehicles and increase investment in research into battery and hydrogen fuel technologies. This will accelerate the development of new technologies and enable more consumers to purchase eco-friendly vehicles. Second, the tax on oil should be raised to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and the resulting shortfall in tax revenue should be used to invest in infrastructure for the production and distribution of clean energy. Third, more electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen charging stations should be built to make it easier to use eco-friendly vehicles.
In addition, clean energy should be actively used in the production of electricity. Electric vehicles can become truly eco-friendly means of transportation by using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, as well as clean energy sources such as natural gas and nuclear power. If they still use coal as their main fuel to generate electricity, the eco-friendly benefits of electric vehicles will be largely offset.
Changing public perception for a sustainable future
Finally, public awareness is also important for eco-friendly technologies to be successfully established. People should not simply choose eco-friendly cars, but also participate in saving energy and reducing pollution in their daily lives. For example, small practices such as using public transportation instead of private cars or reducing unnecessary consumption can make a big difference. The introduction of eco-friendly technologies may be costly in the short term, but it is necessary to instill the idea that it is an investment in the global environment and future generations in the long term.
