It’s 2025, and we’re living in a time where electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche — they’re mainstream. Every car commercial seems to whisper “zero emissions,” and entire cities are planning bans on gas-powered cars within the next decade. So, it begs the question:
Is this the end of the internal combustion engine (ICE)?
Not so fast. While the automotive landscape is clearly shifting toward electrification, the internal combustion engine isn’t going away just yet. In fact, it’s evolving — getting cleaner, smarter, and sometimes even teaming up with electricity to stay relevant. Let’s take a deep dive into what the future holds for ICEs in this new electric era.
A Quick Reality Check
First, it’s important to separate the headlines from the truth.
Yes, governments around the world are pushing for electrification.
Yes, automakers are investing billions into EV development.
And yes, many consumers are warming up to electric cars, especially as range, charging networks, and incentives improve.
But also…
- EVs still only make up a fraction of global vehicle sales.
- Not all regions have the infrastructure to support mass EV adoption.
- Internal combustion remains cheaper, easier to maintain, and more practical in many parts of the world.
So while EVs are definitely the future, that “future” is going to unfold over decades — not overnight.
The Hybrid Compromise
One of the clearest signs that ICEs still have a role to play is the rise of hybrid powertrains. From Toyota to Ford to Ferrari, nearly every automaker has some kind of hybrid strategy in play.
In hybrid vehicles, ICEs and electric motors work together, offering the best of both worlds:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Lower emissions
- Better performance
- No range anxiety
Mild hybrids, full hybrids, and plug-in hybrids are becoming the stepping stones to full electrification — and they all still rely on internal combustion engines to some extent.
In short: hybrids are the bridge between gas and electric, and they’ll be around for a while.
ICEs Are Getting Smarter and Cleaner
Let’s be real — old-school gas engines weren’t exactly eco-friendly. But today’s ICEs are a different breed. Here’s what’s changing:
✅ Direct + Port Fuel Injection
Modern engines often use a combination of both systems to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.
✅ Cylinder Deactivation
Engines can now shut off half their cylinders when cruising, cutting fuel usage without sacrificing power when needed.
✅ Variable Compression Ratios
Like the tech seen in Infiniti’s VC-Turbo engines, this allows an engine to adapt its performance and efficiency based on driving conditions.
✅ Exhaust Gas Recirculation & After-Treatment
Cleaner exhaust systems mean ICEs pollute less than ever before.
In fact, some of the newest ICEs rival hybrids in fuel economy and are surprisingly low on emissions — especially when paired with synthetic or biofuels.
Synthetic Fuels & Hydrogen: The Wild Cards
Here’s something most people don’t talk about: EVs aren’t the only path to carbon neutrality.
🔹 Synthetic Fuels (e-Fuels)
These are man-made fuels created using renewable electricity and captured carbon. Companies like Porsche are heavily investing in e-fuel production, aiming to power existing ICEs with zero net emissions.
Imagine filling your regular gas tank with a fuel that doesn’t contribute to climate change. Sounds wild, but it’s real — and could extend the life of ICEs significantly.
🔹 Hydrogen Combustion
Different from hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen combustion engines work similarly to gasoline engines but burn hydrogen instead of petrol. They’re being explored for performance applications (like Toyota’s hydrogen-powered race cars) and commercial vehicles.
While infrastructure is still a hurdle, these alternatives could keep ICEs alive in specific markets and use cases.
Where ICEs Will Still Dominate
Even as EVs continue their takeover, there are still areas where ICEs hold the edge — or at least remain highly competitive:
🚛 Heavy-Duty & Commercial Vehicles
Long-haul trucks, buses, and construction equipment still heavily rely on diesel engines, and electrifying these vehicles is a much bigger challenge.
🌍 Developing Countries
In places where EV infrastructure is minimal and power grids are unstable, ICEs will continue to be the practical choice.
🚘 Performance and Enthusiast Cars
Purists still love the roar, feel, and character of a naturally aspirated or turbocharged engine. Brands like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mazda are keeping ICE options alive for the driving experience alone.
🧊 Cold Climates
Batteries can lose range and charging performance in extreme cold. ICE vehicles, with their quick warm-up and reliability, remain preferable in harsh winter environments.
The Emotional Side of ICE
Let’s not ignore the heart of the matter: car culture.
There’s something visceral about the rumble of a V8, the scream of a high-revving V6, or the surge of boost in a turbo four. For many enthusiasts, ICEs aren’t just powerplants — they’re a connection to the car. A sound, a smell, a rhythm.
EVs, while efficient and fast, often lack the soul that petrolheads crave.
That’s why we’ll likely see ICEs continue to thrive in racing, enthusiast builds, and niche performance markets — even as daily drivers go full electric.
So, What’s the Future of ICE?
Here’s the short answer: It’s not dead — it’s evolving.
The internal combustion engine is becoming:
- Cleaner
- Smarter
- More efficient
- More flexible
It may not rule the roads like it once did, but it’s far from obsolete. Expect to see ICEs stick around for decades — not just as relics of the past, but as reimagined components of tomorrow’s hybrid, hydrogen, or synthetic-fuel-powered vehicles.
Final Thoughts
The electric future is exciting — no doubt about it. But in our rush to embrace batteries and charging stations, let’s not count out the trusty internal combustion engine just yet.
It’s adapting, collaborating, and even finding new fuels to burn. And in many ways, that makes the story of ICE even more compelling in a world going electric.
So next time someone says “gas is dead,” just smile and remind them: evolution doesn’t always mean extinction.