The petrol engine is a key technology in the automotive industry and is used in many vehicles worldwide. It works on the principle of the combustion of gasoline, also known as petrol, and converts chemical energy into mechanical energy. A mixture of air and fuel is injected into the cylinder, compressed and ignited, which sets the piston in motion. This technology has proven itself over more than a century and continues to shape the mobility sector today.

The petrol engine plays an ambivalent role in the European energy market. On the one hand, it is an essential component of current vehicle fleets, which account for a large proportion of traffic on the roads. However, these vehicles also contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions and other air pollutants, increasing the pressure on governments and industry to accelerate the transition to more sustainable powertrains. In this context, the gasoline engine is increasingly seen as a transitional technology, while the focus is on alternative forms of propulsion, such as electric and hydrogen vehicles.

In Austria, efforts are being made to reduce the proportion of vehicles with petrol engines in order to achieve climate targets. This is being achieved, among other things, through incentives for the use of electric vehicles and the promotion of public transportation. The Austrian government has also taken measures to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from road traffic. These include stricter emission standards and the introduction of low emission zones in urban areas.

Another important development is research into alternative fuels that can be used in gasoline engines. Biofuels and synthetic fuels are seen as possible solutions to reduce pollution while utilizing existing infrastructure. These alternative fuels could help shape the transition to more sustainable mobility without the need to immediately convert the entire vehicle fleet.

Despite the challenges associated with the use of petrol engines, there is also potential for technological innovation. The development of more efficient engines and the use of hybrid technologies could help to reduce emissions and optimize fuel consumption. Combined with a growing supply of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, this could provide a bridge to a more sustainable future.

In summary, the gasoline engine is still a dominant technology in the European and Austrian energy market. While the focus is increasingly on reducing emissions and transitioning to more sustainable powertrains, the gasoline engine remains an important component of the current mobility system. The challenges associated with its use require innovative solutions and close cooperation between politics, industry and research in order to achieve climate targets and shape a sustainable energy future.