Is Fuel Powered Cars still Irreplaceable in Extreme Environments?

In the current era of the comprehensive rise of new energy vehicles, the discussion of "phasing out fuel vehicles" is endless. However, in extreme environments such as polar cold, desert Gobi, and high-altitude mountainous areas, the core advantage of fuel vehicles is still difficult to replace, and its irreplaceability is rooted in the rigid demand for transportation in extreme scenarios.

1、 Extreme low temperature: Power stability crushes new energy

In polar or high-altitude regions below -30 ℃, the activity of lithium batteries will sharply decrease, and the range of new energy vehicles will significantly shrink or even "collapse", and the charging efficiency will also drop below 10% of the normal level. And fuel vehicles rely on engine combustion to do work, as long as the fuel is not frozen, they can stably output power. For example, in Arctic scientific expeditions and transportation in the Siberian permafrost, fuel vehicles remain the main vehicle models, without relying on fragile charging facilities, and can complete long-distance tasks with only fuel tanks.

2、 Scenario without infrastructure: Energy replenishment efficiency determines survival ability

In scenarios such as desert and uninhabited areas where infrastructure is lacking, the energy replenishment advantage of fuel vehicles is unparalleled. Just carry a spare fuel tank, it can be recharged in a few minutes, and the range can be easily extended to thousands of kilometers. On the other hand, the energy replenishment mode relying on charging piles for new energy vehicles is completely ineffective in such scenarios, and even with portable charging devices, it is difficult to solve the problem of power sources. The scientific research teams and off-road rescue teams in the uninhabited areas of western China still rely on fuel vehicles as their core equipment.

3、 Complex working conditions: better maintenance adaptability

Under extreme working conditions of high altitude and frequent sandstorms, the structural stability and maintenance convenience of fuel engines are more advantageous. The air in high-altitude areas is thin, and although new energy motors are not affected, battery heat dissipation and sealing problems will be exacerbated; Fuel vehicles only need to adjust the air-fuel ratio to adapt to the environment. At the same time, there are few maintenance outlets in extreme environments, and the structure of fuel vehicles is relatively simple. Ordinary faults can be easily handled on site, while electronic control system faults in new energy vehicles require professional equipment and are difficult to respond to in an emergency.

Of course, the irreplaceability of fuel vehicles is a conclusion in specific scenarios. With the breakthrough of new energy technologies, their applicability boundaries are expanding. But at least for now, in extreme environments, fuel vehicles are still the "ballast stone" to ensure reliable passage, and it is difficult to be completely replaced in the short term.