Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are the most predominant vehicle found on the road, in the air and on the sea today. But while many people have driven or have been inside of a car, boat or plane, they may not know exactly how these vehicles run. Inside most of these vehicles is an internal combustion engine, hence the name ICE vehicles. 

ICE vehicles leave a significant impact on the environment. Because they are omnipresent in today’s world, it is important to know what they are, how they impact the environment, their benefits and drawbacks. In this article, the team at Majestic Corporation will explain these topics to help the reader understand how ICE vehicles function.

What is an internal combustion engine (ICE)?

An internal combustion engine is one example of a heat engine, whose primary role is to convert thermal energy (heat) into mechanical energy. An internal combustion engine produces heat by igniting a gaseous mixture of fuel and air. This combustion reaction causes gasses to expand inside the engine, which moves a piston (or other components) and produces mechanical energy.

What is an ICE Vehicle?

ICE vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine. These vehicles are sometimes referred to as ICEVs (Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles). The engine powers combustion reactions by using fuel pumped into the vehicle. By pumping fuel or gas into ICE vehicles, the internal combustion engine can work smoothly, allowing the car to move. Generally, if a vehicle requires fuel like petrol, diesel or natural gas, then it is a safe bet that it is an ICE vehicle.

ICE vehicles have been around for over a century now, and they are the most prominent class of vehicles used today. Their dominance can be linked to the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of the technology. But as the most common vehicle used today, it brings the question of how producing, running and disposing of these engines impact the environment.

Environmental impacts of ICE vehicles

At Majestic, we are committed to maintaining environmental stewardship, so we recycle catalytic converters and other precious metals to build a sustainable future. As catalytic converters work hand-in-hand with ICE, we feel that it is important to consider the impact ICE vehicles leave on the environment. For a long time now, ICE vehicles have been more accessible and cost-efficient to produce and run for consumers, but what has this accessibility meant for the environment?

Every internal combustion engine will produce exhaust. This exhaust is made of the spent products of the fuel and air mixture used in the combustion reaction. This exhaust is often what people refer to as emissions. These emissions are what make ICE vehicles a large environmental issue, acting as a significant factor in global warming.

What are emissions?

Emissions are the “gasses and particles which are put into the air or emitted by various sources,” as defined by the EPA. In the context of ICE vehicles, emissions are what we refer to as car pollution. These emissions come from the exhaust produced from the combustion reaction inside ICE cars.

The main issue with vehicle emissions is the chemicals and compounds that the emissions contain. In the case of internal combustion engine vehicles, the emissions produced will contain many different dangerous chemicals, but most significantly, carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, according to the EPA, a typical passenger vehicle is expected to produce about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 a year.

While there are other pollutants that are included in the mix, CO2 is perhaps the most significant. But why is CO2 so important, and how does this fact impact the environment?

The environmental impacts of ICE vehicles

One of the most significant contributors to global warming is CO2 emissions. Currently, it is estimated that about 20% of all CO2 emissions stem from automobiles and road traffic. So while cars have come to play an essential role in moving people and goods, their environmental impact cannot be understated. 

So far, technology and fuel efficiency, which is how much a car can convert energy from fuel into energy to move the car, have improved and will continue to improve. But the fundamental fact of ICE vehicles is that they will still produce at least some level of emissions and therefore, pollutants.

For example, some internal combustion engine vehicles will utilize diesel engines and diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is denser than petrol, containing approximately 15% more energy by volume. As a result, the overall fuel efficiency of the diesel engine is about 20% greater than the petrol engine. This improved fuel efficiency helps ICE vehicles use less fuel to produce more energy, which can also help reduce their harmful emissions.

In recent years, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been on the rise, but ICE vehicles are still a dominant force and may remain that way for the near future. More advancements will need to occur for the benefit of the environment with cleaner-burning fuels and more efficient engines. Otherwise, less frequent use of ICE vehicles, car-pooling and public transportation can help to reduce these environmental impacts as well.

Conclusion

ICE vehicles are an important innovation that has changed the way the world moves. The success of this invention has led to ICE vehicles being an almost integral part of many people’s lives. However, with this universal adoption of ICE vehicles, it’s important to also be mindful of the environmental impacts. 

Personal vehicles, predominantly ICE vehicles, account for a large portion of the CO2 emissions that are affecting global climate today, and more focus should be placed on car pollution and harmful vehicle emissions as the world addresses climate change.

Majestic Corporation has been a leading precious metals recyclers, non-ferrous metals and Catalytic converter provider for around three decades. With a presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and more, as well as a network of precious metals refineries around the world, we work with major customers and partners in a transparent and discrete manner and only offer the highest quality services at competitive prices. 

Contact us here for more information.