There is certainly a future for our classics in the energy transition

In order to achieve the climate objectives, substantial investments are made in the development of sustainable energy. But the envisaged energy transition is more complex than expected. Peter Staal, director of the KNAC therefore sees a sufficient future for classic and modern petrol and diesel cars.

Fossil-free is a utopia

“There is no question that we need to drive cleaner and we wholeheartedly applaud any initiative at the KNAC,” says Peter Staal. “But let’s not count ourselves rich. Take the electric car. The electrification of our fleet is going very slowly. Of the 9 million vehicles on the road, only about 320,000 are currently electric, including plug-in cars. But not only cars must be electric, houses must also be made more sustainable by gas and industries. Our energy infrastructure is simply not ready for this rapidly increasing demand. All that energy has to be produced somewhere and also made accessible in many more places. At the moment, 10% is generated sustainably. 90% not! It is a utopia to think that we will be completely fossil-free by 2050.”

“At the moment, 10% is generated sustainably. 90% not!”

Best boy in class

“In the Netherlands, we like to lead the way when it comes to making our energy more sustainable. But if you look abroad, where we regularly sit down for consultations with international clubs and interest groups, it turns out that they have other priorities there. In Asia, Africa and South America, for example, they say plainly that they do not have the infrastructure for the switch to electric. They see that as a solution for rich countries. They prefer to aim at making their population more mobile. And they care less that cars then run on polluting fossil fuels. First the material, then the environment. They do not know the laws and regulations that apply in Europe. It is good that our diesels are becoming cleaner and more efficient, but a little further across the border they are not that far yet. The demand for and the production of fossils will therefore remain for a while.”

Aircraft industry as an innovator

During a webinar organized by the KNAC, Dr. ir. Carlo van de Weijer, director of ‘Smart Mobility’ at Eindhoven University of Technology, his vision on the future of our (car) mobility. Van de Weijer sees little value in car sharing, autonomously driving cars, nor in building more rails or hydrogen as fuel for passenger cars. He does see opportunities for synthetic fuel, a development that the aircraft industry is currently considering. In time, this innovation could also be made suitable for combustion engines in cars. Peter Staal does not see that happening for the time being. “Take oil giant Shell. It is currently investing 2 billion euros in the development of hydrogen and only 2 million in the development of synthetic fuels. That says enough for me.”

Looking for alternatives together

“Cities in the Netherlands are becoming busier and fuller, so it is logical that the car will be banned there more and more. But in the countryside there are few alternatives to the car to get around. We are already seeing that more and more people are getting into the car, with the hobby car also gaining in popularity. And it can also go well together, as long as the transport mix is ​​good. The switch to electric driving will require more time, hydrogen production is still too inefficient and synthetic fuels are still far too expensive. Until then, we can continue to cherish and drive our driving heritage with peace of mind. While at the same time we are working together on as many smart, sustainable and future-proof alternatives to fossil fuels as possible.”

Find out more here about the Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club, by and for car enthusiasts.