## How Many Cars Have Petrol Engines?
Petrol engines have been the dominant type of automotive powerplant for over a century. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards electric vehicles. As a result, many people are wondering how many cars still have petrol engines.
The Global Picture
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were approximately 1.3 billion cars on the road in 2021. Of these, around 95% were powered by petrol engines. This means that there are roughly **1.235 billion** petrol-powered cars in the world.
Regional Variations
The percentage of petrol-powered cars on the road varies significantly from region to region. In developed countries, such as the United States and Europe, the proportion of electric vehicles is growing rapidly. However, in developing countries, petrol engines remain the dominant technology.
For example, in China, which is the world’s largest car market, over 99% of cars sold in 2021 were powered by petrol engines. In India, another major car market, the proportion of petrol-powered cars is around 95%.
The Future of Petrol Engines
The future of petrol engines is uncertain. Some experts believe that they will eventually be phased out in favor of electric vehicles. Others believe that petrol engines will continue to play a role in the automotive industry for many years to come.
One factor that will influence the future of petrol engines is the development of new technologies. For example, some researchers are working on developing more efficient and cleaner petrol engines. If these technologies are successful, they could help to extend the lifespan of petrol engines.
Another factor that will influence the future of petrol engines is government policy. Many governments are implementing policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These policies could make it more difficult for petrol-powered cars to compete in the market.
Conclusion
The number of petrol-powered cars in the world is still very large, but it is declining. The future of petrol engines is uncertain, but it is likely that they will continue to play a role in the automotive industry for many years to come.
Appendix: Data Sources
* [International Energy Agency](https://www.iea.org/)
* [OICA](https://www.oica.net/)
* [Statista](https://www.statista.com/)
