Browsing by Author "Heckmann, Maximilian Friedrich"
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- E-fuels and climate goals : an analysis of the German automotive industryPublication . Heckmann, Maximilian Friedrich; Rajsingh, Peter V.Climate change is increasingly impacting life globally. To reduce damage, stricter governmental regulations have been developed, and companies need to adapt to these changes. The automotive industry is transitioning towards new technologies like electrification or hybrid systems to comply with these regulations. This study investigates how so called “e-fuels” could impact the automotive industry. E-fuels are an innovative alternative to fossil fuels, compatible with a combustion car fleet and can be produced in a CO2 neutral manner. Experts from different areas related to the automotive industry in Germany were interviewed. The potential of e-fuels was evaluated and the importance of an ambidextrous strategy was discussed. Synthesizing the experts’ opinions gives two key problems for e-fuels: Energy efficiency and the lack of accreditation in the current European regulation. A global value chain and technology openness could help to overcome these problems. The potential for e-fuels therefore depends on regulation and is significantly reduced by the current fleet emission regulation in Europe. In fields where no substitution with other technologies is possible, e-fuels will likely become a standard. Manufacturers will continue to sell combustion cars in the next decades, but the ambidextrous approach is restricted by regulations. The simultaneous development of electric and combustion technology is costly and unlikely for most car manufacturers. Thus, many will transition towards complete electrification. Further research should include experts from other related fields and regions beyond Europe to investigate the global potential of e-fuels.