ENGINEERING

Viewpoint: Yes, battery-powered, fuel-cell electric, and hybrid vehicles are technologically viable alternatives to the internal combustion engine now, and they are likely to be economically viable within the decade.

Viewpoint: No, current internal combustion engine technology has many advantages over its potential competitors—lower costs of production and operation, a longer driving range before refueling, and better overall performance—that will ensure its dominance for several decades to come.

The internal combustion engine is a versatile power source, used in everything from lawn mowers to rockets. However, it is most commonly associated with the car and other road transport vehicles, and it is this association that has come under increasing criticism and scrutiny in recent years. With a growing awareness of...