Opinion: electric or thermal? That is the question

Formula 1 and WEC (LMP1 specifically) switched to hybrid technology at the beginning of the last decade. A technological innovation that made a lot of noise in the world of motorsport, for several reasons:

• a complexity was a scarecrow for potential interested parties and astronomical costs;
• a sound dimension far from the auditory pleasures of the general public and pilots;
• a relative inconsistency with the current automotive market, far from being equipped with all onboard technology.

Hybrid seems to be meeting with some success among Mr. and Mrs. Everyone. Just look at Toyota, the world’s top automaker: 70% of its vehicles sold are hybrids. This is evidenced by the growing popularity of this type of engine over Diesel: 20.7% of sales in the European Union alone in the third quarter of 2021, according to the website Argus Pro. Long gone are the days when Audi glorified diesel, which dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the German prototype eight times, just like that!

The Hybrid has significant virtues during peak times of ecological awareness around the world (lower consumption and reduced carbon emissions). It is enough to realize the figures concerning Formula 1: a 1000-horsepower car, equipped with a 1.6L V6 engine, consumes about 45 liters per 100 kilometers… which is extremely low for such a monster! So far, many green checkboxes are ticked.

We must also consider the progress made in this area since the post-war period, when infernal machines greedily drank one liter per kilometer. The tanks were real cauldrons, not to mention the addition of additives like castor oil. The absolute nightmare of any environmental defender, if there is one.

On efficiency, modern race cars are true masterpieces, just as their technology would make you think of a spacecraft rather than track competition jewels.

That is the whole problem: progressive electrification is undoubtedly a step forward. But for motorsport, it is forgetting the popular dimension of Grand Prix, Endurance races, and other events.

Less noise, more restrictions. Funny idea…

« it’s shit »

The hybrid technology was not necessarily welcomed in Formula 1. In 2014, Sebastian Vettel, then at Red Bull, gave a description that decency would order us to sugarcoat. In these terms « it’s shit », here is a very concise summary of the reception of the new V6 engines.

Fans were highly dissatisfied: gone are the V10s whose noise could shatter eardrums as they symbolized power. This year, the show somewhat makes up for this sound disappointment and we are waiting to find out what the next engines will be made of by 2026.

In Endurance, things were quite different: the Audi R18, certainly Diesel, did not make much noise… but the Toyota LMP1 from 2012, as hybrid as it was, produced a magnificent sound with its V8! It’s just a matter of setting up.

What about the Formula E? It too carries a paradox that is good to highlight: it offers a certain spectacle and has attracted major manufacturers like flies. But its popularity remains limited among purists, as its lower speed and predominant energy management do not appeal to everyone.

Let us emphasize nonetheless that electric cars are mainly intended for city dwellers. Nothing abnormal about the fact that the FE takes place on fully urban circuits.

However, with less noise, more management, and fewer attacks… does this really fit with the idea we have of motorsport? Electrification is appealing to many brands, but it is possible that other alternatives, perhaps even greener than electric technology, have their say in the cleanliness of both road and racing cars.

Biofuels, hydrogen… enemy of electric vehicles?

When the first ideas for new Formula 1 engines were put on the table, one of them stood out: a switch to two-stroke engines!

If this concept was quickly forgotten (although), it would have had a bombshell effect on technological innovations. A two-stroke engine being much more fuel-hungry than a four-stroke, what would have been the magic formula to make it clean and economical?

Let’s admit that it would have been very interesting to see (and especially hear) a two-stroke Formula 1 car. The aim of creating powerful engines that evoke emotions would certainly have been achieved!

And if this technology had worked, electric vehicles would have had something to worry about…

Beyond this curious and hypothetical engine formula, many voices are calling for the introduction of biofuels. They should power the next power units in Formula 1 in 2026.

It is such an interesting alternative: less polluting, seemingly much cheaper to produce, and certainly more sustainable.

It is enough to compare the construction methods of electric vehicle batteries, which are made from rare materials and, of course, are not very durable. The zero emissions from the cars themselves do not compensate for this aspect.

This is where the internal combustion engine, whose death is programmed in a few years, would prove that it has not said its last word.

On the contrary, it is electric vehicles that would see their future threatened: biofuels come from renewable natural resources, not batteries.

One could cynically say that lithium is less easy to grow than a potato… and less natural, by the way.

Not to mention that hydrogen is also emerging as a future green energy for our beloved four-wheeled machines. It will have its own category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2024, and this could work. For now, few details have been released on the subject.

Many other solutions are emerging for the future, and that’s a good thing!

Verdict, doctor?

In the end, the hybrid appears to be a good middle ground. Too much electrification ends up taking away a huge part of the show in motorsport: the deafening noise of powerful engines, without any of their passes leaving us without thrills.

Thermal flying is part of the show for noise and performance, but more importantly, not all its limits have been explored.

Electricity, on the other hand, is much less endowed in terms of leeway.

So much so that 100% electric vehicles would still be of interest to manufacturers for a few years… before the bottom falls out suddenly, perhaps by 2030.

Because nearby, new fuels and another type of thermal operation could exceed ecological expectations, which electric vehicles do not necessarily meet.

The technological evolution of automobiles and motor sports will certainly be very interesting to watch!