Comment W18 Instead of Change: The Automotive Industry Is Losing Its Connection to the Future

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

The energy transition is technically possible, but mentally not yet embraced. Instead of storage, efficiency, and e-mobility, we are witnessing a revival of combustion engines. It's time for the industry to understand: Progress is measured not by cylinders but by responsibility.

Yesterday I spoke with an editor of a trade magazine for vehicles and my colleague from ELEKTRONIKPRAXIS about the question of whether there will even be vintage cars in the future. Batteries and electrolytic capacitors are anything but durable, and increasing software dependency as well as increasingly frugal material usage could prevent vehicles from being operational in 30 years. Additionally, there are assistance systems, component discontinuations, and manufacturer-specific service models, which further complicate long-term use. The automotive future seems to be designed for short-lived technology. Farewell vintage cars.

At the same time, manufacturers like Porsche continue to rely on classic combustion engine technologies. Currently, news about a new patent is causing a stir: a W18 engine with three turbochargers. An impressive technical construction. But also a symbol of a mindset that disregards the challenges of the times. Similarly, Stellantis announces the next big V8 engine with 1,000 horsepower. Such developments seem like relics of an era when efficiency and sustainability played only a marginal role.

At our developer conference Power of Electronics, it became clear: the energy transition is possible, and electromobility can be a central component of it. Vehicles can function as decentralized energy storage systems in the future and actively contribute to stabilizing the power grid. However, this requires new vehicle concepts, robust power electronics, and a consistent focus on storage technologies.

The key question, therefore, is: Why do companies continue to invest significant resources in drive concepts that have no long-term future? If both classic combustion engines and highly complex, software-centered electric vehicles face challenges in terms of durability, it would be all the more important to focus on efficiency, sustainability, and repairability, rather than on maximum engine performance.

Appeal to the Industry

The energy transition must not be slowed down. Instead of designing new combustion engines, capacities should be directed towards storage development, charging infrastructure, and durable, robust electric vehicles. Less of a driving smartphone, more long-lasting technology. That would be progress in terms of sustainability and engineering. Extending the combustion engine era is not a technical issue but a mental blockade.

A look at other industries shows that there is another way. The Fairphone demonstrates in the electronics sector that sustainability, reparability, and transparency do not have to contradict technological progress. A modular design, available spare parts, and long-term software support significantly extend the product's lifespan and build trust among users. Applied to the automotive industry, this would mean: open interfaces, interchangeable modules, uniform standards for batteries and power electronics, as well as a clear commitment to updates and spare parts supply. A "Faircar" principle could show the way. Less focus on short-term innovation, more on durability, resource efficiency, and value retention. (mr)