I might have been a bit strong in my use of the "annihilate"
, but as a lifelong petrolhead I am struggling to see much of a long-term future for any ICE based manufacturer.
I think the tipping point for electric is fast approaching, and the imminent launch of VW's new EV cars (with the aim of matching ICE prices) is going to be a key moment as all other manufacturers will have to follow suit.
Much as I love big V8's the vast majority of the next generation (I'm in my 40's) seem to have a very different attitude to them ranging from complete indifference to broad hostility. I can only see this becoming more marked as the younger generation are far, far more eco-aware than we ever were. I think within ten to fifteen years ICE owners will be viewed as anti-social in the same way that smokers have.
The hydrogen cell has, of course, been around for decades, and it keeps being promised as the "real" future, but it just doesn't seem anywhere close to materialising yet. My understanding is that it isn't just cost, but the issues around storage in volume (ie petrol stations would have to have their existing enormous underground fuel tanks dug up and replaced (very, very costly), and the tank storage challenges within cars.
Very happy to read any more on this that TZ'er recommend.