Porsche has announced plans to continue producing vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). In a recent strategic shift, the company is investing approximately €800 million into developing new combustion engines and plug-in hybrid models. This decision comes amid a decline in demand for fully electric vehicles, leading Porsche to adjust its product lineup to include more ICE and hybrid options.

EVs are generally heavier than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles due to their batteries. This added weight, combined with higher torque, leads to faster tire wear, resulting in approximately 20% more particulate pollution from tires compared to ICE vehicles.

Producing a new tire emits about 31 kg of CO₂, while retreading a tire produces approximately 22 kg of CO₂. The higher weight and performance demands of EVs may necessitate more frequent tire replacements, thereby increasing overall emissions from tire production.

Impact on Infrastructure

Road and Bridge Wear: EVs' additional weight can contribute to increased wear on roads and bridges. For instance, a 2,000-pound increase in axle weight can cause 50% more damage to pavement. 

The state of U.S. infrastructure is widely considered to be in need of significant improvement. Here's an overview of the current state, challenges, and progress being made:

 1. Grading by Experts

   - The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) publishes an Infrastructure Report Card every four years. In 2021, the overall grade for U.S. infrastructure was a C-. This reflects aging systems, underfunding, and a backlog of necessary repairs and modernization efforts across sectors like transportation, energy, and water.

 2. Key Infrastructure Areas:

- Roads: The ASCE gave U.S. roads a D grade, citing over 40% of the system in poor or mediocre condition. There is an ongoing need for repairs, updates, and investment in modern technology.

- Bridges: About 42% of all bridges in the U.S. are over 50 years old, and over 46,000 bridges are classified as structurally deficient. Despite improvements, it remains an area of concern.

- Public Transit: The public transit system received a D-, reflecting inadequate funding, old vehicles, and outdated infrastructure in many regions. Investment in modernizing rail and bus systems is necessary to meet growing demand.

- Airports: U.S. airports, graded D+, are struggling to handle increasing passenger volumes with outdated terminals and systems. The need for modern technology, improved capacity, and more efficient operations is critical.

- Drinking Water and Wastewater: U.S. water infrastructure is aging, with many pipes over a century old. Water systems received a C- due to frequent leaks, contamination risks, and the need for better treatment facilities. Wastewater systems also need substantial investment.

- Energy: The U.S. energy grid, rated C-, is aging and vulnerable to power outages, cybersecurity threats, and growing demands. Modernization to accommodate renewable energy sources and improve resiliency is a priority.

 3. Challenges:

   - Underinvestment: For decades, the U.S. has underfunded its infrastructure, leading to a backlog of projects. The ASCE estimates that the U.S. needs to spend around $2.6 trillion by 2029 to address infrastructure issues.

   - Climate Change: Climate-related events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are increasingly straining infrastructure, requiring more robust and resilient systems.

   - Aging Systems: Many infrastructure systems were built in the mid-20th century and are now reaching the end of their lifespan.

 4. Recent Progress:

   - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law, providing $1.2 trillion in funding over the next decade. This is one of the largest infrastructure investments in U.S. history, with money allocated to improving roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, clean energy, and water systems.

   - Focus on Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on creating infrastructure that is more sustainable and resilient to climate change, with investments in clean energy, electric vehicle charging networks, and public transportation upgrades.

 Conclusion:

While significant strides are being made, the U.S. infrastructure remains in a state of decline in many areas, especially in transportation, energy, and water systems. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is expected to help improve these areas, but the U.S. still faces a long road to modernization and sustainability.

Sources:

- [ASCE 2021 Report Card](https://infrastructurereportcard.org/)

- [U.S. Department of Transportation - Infrastructure Updates](https://www.transportation.gov)