Cleaning up cars: an Energy Square Debate

In light of climate change and declining oil reserves, the search for “green” commercially viable alternative fuels gathers pace. Should we change to electric motors powered by batteries and fuel cells, or keep the internal combustion engine, and use petrol-electric hybrids, biofuels or hydrogen?

Topics for debate included:
• Will a single technology replace oil and dominate the 2050 landscape?
• Do biofuels have a long-term perspective as a transport fuel?
• Will electric vehicles eliminate the need for hybrids? How quickly could the electric infrastructure and battery technology be developed in practice? 
• Will incentives for electric cars undermine hydrogen and biofuel research?
• The “greenest” option—which will contribute most to CO2 reduction?
• What should Government be doing to stimulate these new markets?