I wanted to see what ChatGPT would say to this question. What do you think about their answer? My comments and thoughts are in italics.

ChatGPT stated:

Predicting exactly how cars will be powered 50 years from now is challenging, but there are several trends and possibilities we can consider based on current technological developments and societal trends:

Electric Vehicles (EVs): It’s likely that EVs will dominate the market. Advances in battery technology will improve range, reduce charging times, and lower costs. Governments may also enforce stricter emissions regulations, further incentivizing the shift to electric.

Renewable Energy Integration: As renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent and efficient, they will increasingly power the grid. This will make EVs even more environmentally friendly as their charging will be powered by cleaner sources.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Fuel cell technology could become more viable and widespread. Hydrogen-powered vehicles have zero emissions and can be refueled quickly, potentially offering a solution for long-distance transportation.

Autonomous Vehicles: The rise of autonomous vehicles may change the way we think about car ownership and transportation. Electric propulsion is well-suited for autonomous fleets due to lower maintenance and operational costs.

Battery Technology: Breakthroughs in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries or other advanced chemistries, could significantly improve energy density, safety, and lifespan, further promoting the adoption of EVs.

Policy and Infrastructure: Government policies and investments in charging infrastructure will play a crucial role. Supportive policies could accelerate the adoption of electric and hydrogen vehicles.

Cultural Shifts: Changes in consumer attitudes towards sustainability and environmental impact will also influence the types of vehicles that are popular in the future.

While fossil fuels may still have a presence in transportation in 50 years, their role is expected to diminish significantly as technology advances and environmental concerns grow. The exact mix of technologies will depend on a complex interplay of technological advancements, economic factors, regulatory environments, and societal preferences over the coming decades.

A pretty good answer I would say. What is missing in my opinion are:

Sustainable (synthetic) fuel: Brands intent on increasing the life of the combustion engine are already working on synthetic fuels. Porsche, the German manufacturer responsible for making exciting sports cars with exceptional engines like the 911, has teamed up with the industrial giant Siemens along with a number of other energy companies to build a plant in Southern Chile. The aim is to be producing 130,000 litres of synthetic fuel a year by 2022, ramping up to 55 million litres by 2024 and 550 million litres annually by 2026. Before we get too carried away by these figures, it’s worth remembering that in the UK 46.5 billion litres of petrol and diesel are used every year.

In my opinion, with 100s of millions of cars globally, a sustainable fuel is probably the most likely outcome. This allows all people to keep their existing cars, and just kick out less CO2.

Hybrid cars: I have been an advocate of hybrid cars, and have owned two Lexus hybrids. I have not jumped into fully electric yet, and may never. 1, I have range anxiety, and am not organised enough to plan journeys, stops, charging, etc. 2, We do not have enough power to power a country full of electric cars.

I think we will work towards either a sustainable fuel/ electric hybrid or a hydrogen fuel cell/ electric hybrid. But only time will tell.

How will cars be powered 50 years from now in your opinion?

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