Electric Vehicle, Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids, CNG, etc are the future of mobility. The world is working for clean, green, and sustainable energy sources. India is not far behind and in this, our automobile sector is trying to contribute through minimizing the use of fossil fuel in their upcoming vehicles. Many manufacturers like Tata Motors, Maruti, and Mahindra are already working and have even introduced their various models of alternate fuel vehicles on Indian roads.
Maruti Suzuki revealed intentions to introduce its first electric vehicle this financial year and promote diverse eco-friendly technologies like hybrid, biogas, and CNG to reduce emissions. Chairman RC Bhargava highlighted a diversified strategy to meet national objectives.
To produce and promote affordable small cars, the company aims to satisfy different market segments.
The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki said it would launch its first electric vehicle in the local market in the ongoing financial year, and will simultaneously encourage customers to adopt eco-friendly technologies like a strong hybrid, biogas, flex fuel, and CNG which are available at varied price points to reduce emission and fuel consumption in the country.
Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava said in the annual report release, that a policy framework to accelerate the move towards these alternate technologies will help minimize sales of petrol and diesel vehicles and thereby reduce emission and fuel consumption.
Tax on Electric Vehicle In India:
In India, a reduced GST rate of 5% on Electric Vehicles is applied, compared to 28% (plus Cess) on hybrids. Several state governments extend additional incentives including waiver of registration charges on EVs.
The government has also accepted that in India there is a need to use different technologies, he said, adding” Some states like UP, have already taken steps in this direction. We now await a policy framework that would lead to the promotion of all technologies that result in petrol and diesel cars being replaced by cars using other technologies.”
Maruti’s Plan for Electric Vehicles:
Maruti Suzuki currently sells two strong hybrid vehicles- SUV Grand Vitara and MPV Invicto. The company has scheduled to launch its first EV later this fiscal and plans to have half a dozen models in the space by FY31.
Electric Vehicles in India are growing rapidly. It is a demand to go green and save the environment with sustainable development. In this way, alternative fuel vehicles are in global demand. Electric vehicles are the most popular and adopted way to go green globally. In India, many Indian manufacturers as well as foreign investors have already launched many brands in the Indian Market.
India is growing their EVs market in all segments like two-wheelers, Three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial buses & trucks.
Indian Government has supported electric vehicles with several rebates like manufacturing rebates to the producers and tax rebates to the customers.
Despite that, there are still electric vehicles are still facing many challenges.
# Challenges for Electric Vehicles:
1. Mindset of the Consumers for Electric Vehicles:
The majority of Indian Customers are unaware of the impact of emissions on the environment and the after-effects of the same on future generations, so they are not very sensible to stop the pollutants and make their environment clean and green.
2.Affordability of EVs:
Even after government incentives and tax rebates, still electric vehicles are costlier compared to gasoline-engine vehicles. The running cost of these electric vehicles is less but the initial cost of purchasing the vehicle is high. The Indian government has reduced costs with FAME 2 incentives. The two-wheelers and three-wheelers can achieve cost uniformity and even reduce cost in the long term for vehicles operating in commercial activities. But we are behind in achieving this equality for four-wheeler segments.
3.Charging Anxiety with EVs:
Even though the electric vehicles market in India is growing and the consumer base is increasing day by day. Still, there is a fear in the mind of the electric vehicle driver of getting discharged their car vehicles in between trips. The charging infrastructure is not growing very rapidly in India; we have only 20,000 public charging stations to date. Many major players are in the field to develop the charging infrastructure but it will take a long time to come into existence.
4. Range of EVs:
The average range of Indian electric cars is around 350 to 400 k.ms and this is good for the city and around-the-city movement but in the end, there is always a fear of being discharged, during the trip.
5. Convenience: Charging a vehicle takes time to get it fully charged and is not as easy as re-filling the fuel in the vehicle. Even though the public charging stations are not very close around out of the city, it is also a tough job to get your vehicle fully charged. It takes a minimum of 30 minutes to 2 hours to get it at its full charge.
6.Regulatory Challenges:
The government policies and regulations are not very clear and consistent. The well-defined regulations, clear tax incentives & rebates, and setting clear targets for electric vehicle adoption can encourage investment and innovation in the sector.
#Opportunities of Electric Vehicles in India:
Apart from all the challenges with electric vehicles in India, there are many opportunities also associated with this like:
1. Government Support to Electric Vehicles:
The Indian government is committed to the development and promotion of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles as part of these initiatives comes under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme. The FAME is the financial scheme supported by the Indian Government to provide financial incentives for the adoption of Electric Vehicles.
2. Growing Market:
The urban population of India is growing rapidly and this population is of literate people, who are more concerned about environmental issues. As the awareness of a clean and green environment rises, more consumers are willing to switch to alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the best available choices to date.
3. Job Creation:
The electric vehicle development and growth create many employment opportunities in the fields of research and development, design, manufacturing, sales, service, and various sister concerns.
4. Innovations:
The Indian electric vehicle market provides opportunities for innovations in different areas like battery technology innovations, charging infrastructure development, and electric mobility solutions for the country’s special needs and challenges.
5. Rural Electrification:
The rural electrification initiative will be geared up with the adoption of electric vehicles, as this will accelerate initiatives like solar-powered charging stations. This could bring clean transportation options to remote areas.
6. Partnership and collaboration:
The Indian government, industry players, and academia can come together and in collaboration, they can drive innovations and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Partnerships with international players can provide new innovative technologies and even foreign investments.
7. Export Potential:
India has the potential to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles with a cost-effective and skilled workforce.
Conclusion:
This is the new era of alternative fuel vehicles and electric vehicles are one of the most popular globally. There are many of government support to promote electric vehicles in India. The government is providing many rebates and tax relaxation. FAME is employed to promote the faster manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles throughout India. Even though, there are many challenges in the expansion of electric vehicles unawareness of Indian consumers, less and undeveloped Infrastructure like charging networks, High initial cost of the vehicles, etc.
Despite all the challenges, we should come forward to sustainable development to provide a clean and green environment for future generations.
In India, Hybrid Cars are going ahead of Electric cars. Indian Consumers prefer hybrid vehicles to pure battery electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are a blend of internal combustion engines and electric motors, while the only battery-powered electric cars only depend on electric motors powered by batteries.
Why Hybrid Cars are overtaking pure electric Cars?
#Hybrid Cars are Reliable & Affordable with low Maintenance Cost:
Hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular as these vehicles are reliable and affordable and the maintenance cost of hybrids is low. On the other hand, very limited range, lack of charging facilities and expensive insurance are the major concerns that the Electric Vehicles ecosystem needs to address effectively to make it easy for Indian customers.
# Hybrid Cars are Cheaper:
Hybrid cars are cheaper as compared to all-electric cars i.e. battery electric cars. The market researcher Jato Dynamics reports that the average retail price of a hybrid is 16.98 lakh while that of an electric vehicle is Rs 17.71 lakh. The total hybrid vehicles sales from January to December 2023 was 12.6 % of the total passenger vehicles sold whereas the share of electric vehicles was only 2.3%.
The president of Jato Dynamics, Mr. Ravi Bhatia says that the hybrids may continue to play a major role in an intermediate technology like Stepping Stone towards adopting a full adoption of electric vehicles and will help to educate and familiarize consumers with alternative fuel technologies to transit completely to electric mobility.
One of my known, who is an IT engineer, was initially planning to buy an electric version of Tata Nexon ev of having an Ex-showroom price of Rs18.69 lakh is changed his mind and opted for a hybrid Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta of price Rs. 18.33 lakh. He says the challenges of charging infrastructure and lower outstanding value made him go for a hybrid.
Hybrid Cars vs. Electric Cars:
#Range Anxiety:
The lack of enough charging stations creates range anxiety among potential electric vehicle buyers. Hybrids with their dual power source, offer the comfort of long-distance travel without relying solely on electricity.
# Affordability:
Compared with electric vehicles, hybrid technology is more mature and more affordable.
# Tech Familiarity:
The familiar combustion engine in hybrids brings down the apprehensions about new tech.
# Govt. Incentives:
While the Indian Government offers incentives for both electric vehicles and hybrids, policies often favor the hybrids.
# Urban Driving Conditions:
Stop-and-go traffic in cities favors hybrids as it switches seamlessly between electric and ICE power.
# Consumer Preference:
Many consumers are still hesitant about electric vehicles. Hybrids with a longer presence in the market, benefit from brand recognition and customer trust.
Conclusions:
Many car manufacturers swear that electric vehicle is the technology of the future, as they will help in meeting COP26 goals, and in going carbon neutral in the long term. However, not everyone in the automotive industry is convinced that electric vehicle is the solution.
“Electricity generation in India is largely through thermal means and hence electric vehicles don’t help in furthering COP26 objectives. Also, there are functional transportation needs in a growing economy. Electric vehicles with the high cost of acquisition and lack of charging infrastructure have limits in addressing this requirement”.
“We need to support all sustainable fuel technologies (hybrids/ethanol blended, hydrogen, and CNG) proportionately so that we can displace petrol and diesel.” Regulatory pushes, such as CAFE or corporate average fuel efficiency that requires companies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency–– are pushing manufacturers to launch more models in different segments.
RC Bhargava, chairperson of the country’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, says hybrids are much more acceptable to the customer as it is cleaner than EVs. He says, “We need to have multiple technologies at different price points catering to a diverse set of customers to cut down the carbon footprint.”
Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director of Maruti Suzuki, says the company will follow customer preferences “even as we meet regulatory requirements”.
The future, it seems, will be powered by many powertrains.
The battery-powered vehicle system plays a very important role in reducing carbon emissions to the environment. Even though there are many other ways also to achieve carbon-neutral mobility than adopting battery-powered electric vehicles.
Now, battery-powered transport systems are playing a major role in shifting toward carbon-neutral mobility. Even though researchers are continuously involved in developing other ways also to achieve the goal of no or minimum carbon emission drivelines.
Below are the 05 key alternative fuels other than battery electric vehicles:
1. Hydrogen Electric Vehicle (HEV):
Hydrogen is a ready-to-use option for both the combustion engine and the fuel cells, but the efficiency of hydrogen is considerably higher in fuel cells. Hydrogen electric vehicles are zero-emission drivelines, generally hybrid vehicles with a battery as used for buffer. HEVs are self-sufficient vehicles and are fast to refill easily. The European Union, under AFIR recommended expanding a huge network for sourcing hydrogen from renewable energy sources to scale up the infrastructure and overcome the tight bottlenecks.
2. e-fuels in Compare to battery-Powered Vehicles:
The e-fuels are the chemical combination of green hydrogen and CO2 capture. It is a zero-emission by CO2 compensation. Germany has opened the door to using e-fuel after the European Union ban in 2035.
Source: https://www.cng-mobility.
3. Bio Fuels:
Biofuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, and biogas are the prime sources of energy for propelling vehicles. The biofuels are derived from biomass, which includes organic materials like crops, agricultural residues, algae, or waste products.
The common biofuels are:
i).Ethanol:
Ethanol is the extracted form of crops like corn, sugarcane, wheat etc and is commonly blended with gasoline to create ethanol-gasoline blends such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline).
Figure 1 The Toyota Innova Hycross Flex Fuel MPV is designed to operate exclusively on Ethanol
ii). Biodiesel:
Biodiesel is the product from the residual of vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. It can be used in diesel engines either by mixing with petroleum diesel in blended form or directly in pure form.
iii) Biogas:
Biogas is the product of the anaerobic digestion of organic matter like agriculture waste, sewage, or landfill. The vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) or the converted vehicles run on bio-methane use biogas as fuel.
4. Compressed Air Vehicles (CAV):
Compressed Air Vehicles (CAVs) are vehicles powered by compressed air stored in onboard tanks. The concept of using compressed air as a power source for vehicles has gained attention as a potential alternative to traditional internal combustion engines or electric vehicles.
The compressed air is stored in a tank mounted on the vehicle. This stored energy is then used to power the vehicle’s engine or motor.
5. Solar-Electric Vehicles (SEV):
Solar electric vehicles (SEVs) are those, which use energy from the direct Sun i.e. solar energy to produce electricity for propelling the vehicles. These vehicles usually include solar panels, which receive sunlight and transform it into electrical energy this electrical energy is then stored in batteries, and from the battery, this energy is used to power the electric motor of the vehicles for developing the propulsive power.
Figure 2 The Squad Solar City Car, as presented of the Fully Charged 2022 event in Amsterdam
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic cells, which are used to convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
Solar electric vehicles are powered by electric motors. The electricity generated from the solar panels is used to charge the vehicle’s batteries, which in turn power the electric motor. Some SEVs also can directly power the motor using solar energy during operation.
Conclusion:
To shift towards a more sustainable and integrated transportation system a sole carbon-neutral mobility system or a combination of new technologies and strategies is required to implement, even though battery electric vehicles play a substantial and diversified role in addressing the challenges of carbon emissions in the transport sectors.
Many innovations and technologies are there to cope with and solve issues like carbon emissions and sustainable mobility.
Carbon-neutral mobility is the demand and the future of the coming era for a more eco-friendly and sustainable environment.
Let us come together to achieve the goal for our future generation.
The batteries of Electric cars are facing trouble in cold weather and this affects their performance. The batteries are being discharged soon and taking a long time to recharge again.
Certain temperature windows are optimal for batteries in terms of their life span and effective capacity. If the battery can be kept within this window without the need to cool or heat, it will perform at its best and give the electric car the longest possible range.
In cold weather, the batteries became cool and it required additional support to reach the optimum operating temperature. In addition, the battery contributes to heating the car interior at that time, which increases the electricity consumption slightly.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
However, with a few simple steps, the user can ensure that consumption is minimized again and the battery operates in a way that does not negatively impact its overall life. It is similar to the various pieces of advice on extending the life of internal combustion engines in conventional cars, only most of the advice relates to something slightly different.
1. Preheating the Electric cars and the battery:
One ideal way to reduce an electric car‘s consumption, especially on shorter journeys, is to preheat both the car and the battery. It is particularly ideal to switch and preheat when charging the car.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
2. Efficient Heating of electric cars:
Even heating the electric car itself can be done efficiently to keep consumption as low as possible. For example, using seat or steering wheel heating is more efficient in terms of keeping the occupants warm than heating the cabin air alone. The heating can be turned down to a lower temperature and comfort can be provided by, for example, warming the seats.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
3. Smart Parking:
In the cold morning, it is generally essential to heat the car before taking a start. To avoid or minimize this, it either is always advisable to park your car in a garage or sheltered place. It is also advisable to connect your car in charge to preheat at a desired temperature while parking it.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
4. Anticipatory Parking:
The goal of anticipatory parking in this context would be to optimize the EV driving experience by reducing the time spent searching for parking spaces, promoting efficient use of energy, and potentially contributing to overall traffic management. Particular is the driver who has the biggest influence on an electric car’s range. In winter, anticipatory driving is more important than ever. As well as providing, a longer range is also safer on winter roads. So keep a safe distance from the cars ahead. Slow down smoothly for corners and use a driver assistance system to help you drive at even speed.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
5. Tyre Condition is Important:
Tyre maintenance in winter is very essential for safety and optimal performance. The tyre pressure, traction, and overall durability are significantly affected by the condition of tyre and its pressure.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
6. No Unnecessary Cargo:
A higher cargo weight means more energy is needed to move it. So make sure that you don’t have unnecessary items in your car that increase energy consumption.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
7. Ecco Mode:
Electric cars have a special Eco mode that limits certain functions and power consumption, thus extending the range. This Ecco system can also be used in winter for the optimum result.
Source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com/en/
8. Ideal equipment for winter:
Special equipment can also help electric cars to extend their range. Suitable winter tyres with low rolling resistance or LED headlights can reduce consumption. An optional heat pump can be used for heating to reduce consumption compared to conventional electric heating.
Cold weather causes challenges for electric vehicle owners. Electric Vehicles are getting frozen in cold weather. It is experienced by many electric vehicle drivers and even experts say that cold weather is causing a 30% loss in battery range and an increased charge time (approx. Triple) for electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are facing problems like fall in performance, less battery life, bigger charge times, etc.
In a city like Pennsylvania in the United States, cold weather is causing serious problems for electric vehicle owners. In winter weather at extreme cold, the batteries of electric vehicles are going discharge faster and take much extra time to recharge it again.
An electric car owner at a Tesla charging station near Chicago shared that “I was at 50% when I got here and usually it takes 10 to 15 minutes to charge from 50 to 80, 90% but now in the cold it is taking an hour and 20 minutes for the same.
Reason for Battery-Troubles of Electric Vehicles in Cold:
Source: Tricky_Shark/Shutterstock.com
The experts of electric battery and fuel cells states the cold weather is causing organic chemical reactions within the chemical substances of the electric battery and that slows down its performance exponentially. The experts say battery range for electric vehicles can be reduced by up to 30% in the cold and at zero degrees can lose 10 times the amount of power. The re-charging of the batteries can take double and even triple times in the cold.
As told by the battery & fuel cells specialist and Chair Professor at Penn State’s Department of Material Science and Engineering, Mr. Chao- Yang Wang, told, “The chemistry in the battery will slow down almost exponentially with the decreasing temperature”.
As of now, the current electric vehicle charging infrastructure is less in number and at are far in distance which is also a trouble for the electric vehicle owner to go for a long in the cold.
The characteristics of lithium-ion batteries are very sensitive to excess temperature in cold weather. The battery-making companies are working continuously to develop better technology to nullify the existing defects and improve the performance of electric vehicles for all climates.
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries can experience challenges in cold weather due to several factors:
Most electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive in case of excess temperatures. The efficiency of the lithium-ion batteries decreases in cold weather and the capacity to provide and accept the charge weakens. The chemical reactions within the battery become slower in colder temperatures and decrease the overall performance.
2. Reduced Energy Storage Capacity:
The energy storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries is minimal in cold weather. And when the temperature drops, the internal resistance of the battery rises, and it creates difficulty for electrons to move within the cells and the overall energy output of the battery decreases.
3. Increased Internal Resistance:
The internal resistances of the batteries are high in cold temperatures, which causes higher losses during the charging and discharging processes. This internal resistance can cause the battery to heat up during the process and this may further reduce the overall efficiency of the battery.
4. Charging Limitations:
In cold weather during charging the battery, gets overheated, and due to this reason, it takes longer time to charge the battery of the electric vehicles.
5. Range Reduction:
In cold, the battery energy of electric vehicles is used for heating the systems, which affects significantly the driving, range of the electric vehicles.
Solution of Electric Vehicles Battery Low Charge in Cold Weather:
Battery pre-conditioning:
To overcome the impact of cold weather on electric vehicle batteries, many electric vehicles are now coming with the facility of battery pre-conditioning systems. These systems are used to heat and the battery before starting the vehicle, which improves the performance of the battery.
Experts suggest using the pre-condition setting offered in some electric vehicles to optimize the battery performance in cold weather. Drivers should also ensure a full charge and keep their electric vehicles in warmer condition when not in use as possible.
Whenever electric vehicle drivers notice that their vehicles are performing less in the cold, They should know to practice some necessary tips to maximize the battery life and better performance.
Conclusions:
The electric vehicle market is growing globally and many different players like Tesla, BYD, Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes, and many more are involved in manufacturing and R&D.
Despite, the current battery technology has trouble in combating the issue; however, innovations are going on by different institutions. The scientific solution to this problem is available but it will take time for the automobile industries to implement it practically. It is expected that within four to five years this problem will go away completely.
By the time, a basic preparatory work is required to do before you make a trip, like checking you’re a battery at its full charge capacity, and pre-heating of the vehicle.
The top-selling electric car manufacturers of India in the year 2023 are Tata Motors, MG Motor, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai, and the fifth one of the PSA group Citreon. The Indian Brand Tata Motors is leading in the list with a total of four models of its electric vehicles and of price range between Rs.8.69 for its base model to Rs.19.94 lakh of its upper model cars. The other best-selling brands are MG at position two, Mahindra & Mahindra at position three and Hyundai achieved position four followed by the PSA group Citeron at position fifth.
The details of the top-selling brand and models are as discussed below:
1. Tata Motors Electric Car (Tata.ev):
Tata Motor is the leading electric car manufacturer in India. Tata Motors has recently renamed its electric vehicles as Tata ev. The company is currently offering four models in India as Tata Punch ev, Nexon ev, Tiago ev, and Tigor ev.
Top 5 Tata Electric Cars in India:
Sl. No.
Model
Price In New Delhi
(i)
Tata Punch ev
Rs. 10.99-15.49 Lakh
(ii)
Tata Nexon ev
Rs. 14.74-19.94 Lakh
(iii)
Tata Tiago ev
Rs. 8.69-12.04 Lakh
(iv)
Tata Tigor ev
Rs. 12.49-13.75 lakh
(i)Tata Punch EV:
Tata Punch ev is the most popular electric car of Tata Motors with a price range of Rs.10.99 to Rs.15.49 Lakh.
(ii) Tata Nexon EV:
Next is the Tata Nexon ev with a price range between Rs.14.74 to Rs.19.94 lakh. The all-new Nexon ev is the game changer EV representing a stunning leap forward in design, cabin comfort, performance, technology, and safety.
(iii) Tiago EV:
Tata Motors Tiago. ev is the cheapest model of Tata Motors with a starting price of Rs. 8.69 Lakh. It comes with awesome interiors and features that make every drive super exciting. Tata Motors is the Top-selling 4W electric vehicle manufacturer in India.
iv) Tigor. ev:
Tigor. ev is another popular electric vehicle of Tata Motors and is coming in a price range of Rs. 12.49-13.75 lakh.
2. MG Motor Electric Car:
MG Motor offers two electric cars in India in the form of ZS EV electric SUV and Comet EV – India’s most affordable electric car. MG came second in the month of August ’23 with 1,150 EVs sold.
(i) MG ZS EV:
MG ZS EV electric vehicle is a sports utility vehicle, its base model starts at Rs. 22.88 lakh, and the top model goes up to Rs.26.00 Lakh. Its battery range is 461 km. Battery capacity is 50.3 KWh and its battery takes 16 hours to charge at its full capacity.
(ii) MG Comet Electric Car:
The MG Comet is an ultra-compact, electric city hatchback that wows with its design and usable city driving range. The Comet EV starts with a price of Rs. 7.98 Lakh and the top model price goes up to Rs. 10.63 Lakh (Avg. ex-showroom). The battery range is 230km and its charging time is 7 hours at 220 volts.
3. Mahindra & Mahindra:
Mahindra & Mahindra is the third in the electric vehicle segment with just one model XUV 400.
Mahindra XUV400 EV price starts at Rs. 15.49 Lakh and the top model price goes up to Rs. 19.39 Lakh. XUV400 EV is offered in 7 variants – the base model of XUV400 EV is EC Pro 345 kWh and the top model is Mahindra XUV400 EV EL Fast Charger DT.
4. Hyundai Electric Car:
Hyundai India Motors has launched two electric cars in Indian Market-:
(i) Hyundai Kona Electric:
This car is the most popular model of Hyundai with a price range of Rs 23.84 lakh to Rs. 24.03 lakh.
The driving range of the Hyundai Kona is 452 km with a battery of 08 years and approx. 160000 km warranty.
There are 2 Hyundai Electric cars currently available for sale at starting price Rs 23.84 Lakh Lakh. The most popular Hyundai Electric cars are Hyundai Kona Electric (Rs. 23.84 – 24.03 Lakh), Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Rs. 45.95 Lakh). To know more about the latest prices and offers of the best Hyundai Electric cars in your city, specifications, pictures, mileage, reviews and other details, please select your desired car model from the list below.
(ii) Hyundai Ioniq 5:
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric vehicle with all the necessary and luxurious features with ease of drivability and good range. It’s base price starts at 46.05 lakh.
The Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kona electric vehicles helped Hyundai EV to be placed fourth place in the Indian electric vehicles market in the year 2023.
4. PSA Group Citroen:
PSA Groupe currently offers one EV in India i.e. the Citroen eC3. In February 2023, Citroën India launched an electric variant of C3 under the name Ë-C3. The car was launched about 6 months after the C3’s launch. Its stated range is 320 kilometers (200 mi) per charge. Citroen managed to sell 111 units of the eC3 in the Indian market last month. Citroen was in fifth place in the electric vehicles Indian Market.
6. BYD:
BYD is a Chinese car manufacturer and it was listed at sixth position in Indian Electric Vehicles market in the year 2023 by selling a total number of 93 units of Its Atto 3 electric SUV and e6 MPV.
The BYD cars in India starts from Rs. 29.15 Lakh for It’s E6 model and the other model Atto 3 comes with a price range of Rs 33.99lakh to 34.49 lakh.
Conclusion:
India is leading in its electric vehicles manufacturing market under the banner of Make in India, and Tata Motors is representing and proving at its full capacity and the innovative technologies. In Indian market, the electric cars are also available at an affordable price of Rs8.96 lakh to a premium range also.
An electric vehicle (EV) is an automobile that makes use of one or more electric power system to propel the vehicle. The electric vehicles are powered by the energy stored in a collector system of an extravehicular source. Even they could be powered independently by using a battery (every so often charged with the aid of solar panels, or with the aid of changing gasoline to energy the use of gasoline cells or a generator).
Electric vehicles comprise street and rail motors, submerged vessels, electric-powered spacecraft, and planes. Electric vehicles were first introduced in the late nineteenth century, while energy became a few of the desired strategies for motor automobile propulsion. Internal combustion engines have been the main propulsion technique for automobiles for the last hundred years, whereas, electric-powered energy has remained common in different automobiles like trains and smaller motors.
Different Types of Electric Vehicles are:
1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV):
A battery unit charged by electricity solely powers the battery electric vehicle. The battery electric vehicles entirely depend on the electricity stored in the battery, for power to run the vehicles and there is no internal combustion engine to propel or give power to the wheels of these vehicles.
The battery electric vehicles are charged by plugging into an electric power source at home or the charging station.
Figure 1 Battery Electric Vehicle
Component of Battery Electric Vehicle:
1. Electric Motor:
Electric motor is the primary propulsion system in the battery electric vehicle. The electric motor converts battery electrical energy into mechanical energy to the wheel of the vehicle.
2. Battery Pack:
The battery pack is the collection of individual cells that store electrical energy. These cells are usually lithium-ion batteries. The size and capacity of the battery pack determine the range of vehicles.
3. Power Inverter:
In electrical vehicles, the alternating current (A.C) powers the electric motor. The direct current (DC) from the battery is converted into alternating current by the power inverter.
4. Charging Port:
In battery-electric vehicles, there is a charging port, which is provided to recharge the battery through an external power source. There may be different types of connectors depending on the charging infrastructure.
5. Onboard Charger:
The onboard charger converts the AC power from the external source into DC power suitable for charging the battery.
6. Thermal Management System:
The thermal management system is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures of both the battery and the electric motor. This system helps to ensure the long life and effectiveness of electrical components like the battery and the motor.
7. Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) and Battery Management System (BMS):
The vehicle control unit manages various vehicle functions and the battery management system monitors and manages the state of charge, temperature, and the overall health of the battery.
Working Principles of Battery Electric Vehicles:
The working principles of battery electric vehicles can be described as explained below:
1. Charging:
The battery electric vehicle is charged by plugging it into an external power source. The onboard charger converts AC power from the source into DC power to charge the battery.
2. Battery Storage:
The battery stores the electrical energy into chemical form. The energy is later converted back to electricity to power the electric motor.
3. Discharging:
When the driver accelerates the vehicle, the VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) sends signals to the power inverter, which converts DC power from the battery into AC power for the electric motor.
4. Propulsion:
The electric motor uses this electrical energy to generate mechanical energy, driving the wheels and propelling the vehicle.
5. Regenerative Braking:
During braking. The electric motor can act as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy. This energy is then fed back into the battery, enhancing the overall efficiency.
2. Fuel –Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV):
A fuel-cell electric vehicle is an electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell to generate electricity on board. These vehicles generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell.
The hydrogen and oxygen in water produce electricity and release heat as a byproduct. A fuel cell vehicle also known as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle operates on a different principle compared to battery electric vehicles.
The most common type of fuel cell used in FCEVs is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.
Figure 2.a. Hydrogen Fuel Electric Vehicle Layout
Figure 2.b Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Block Diagram.
Component of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles:
1. Fuel Cell Stack:
The fuel cell stack is the heart of an FCEV. It consists of multiple individual fuel cells that use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. The most common type of fuel cell for FCEVs is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.
The chemical reaction is 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O + electrical energy.
2. Hydrogen Tank:
The fuel cell electric vehicles store compressed gas in high-pressure tanks. The hydrogen is then delivered to the fuel cell stack when needed.
3. Power Control unit:
The power control unit manages the flow of electrical power between the fuel cell stack and the electric motor. It may include power electronics to regulate the voltage and current for optional performance.
4. Electric Motor:
These fuel vehicles are equipped with an electric motor that is powered by the electricity generated in the fuel cell stack. This motor drives the wheel of the vehicle.
5. Battery (optional):
In some FCEVs, a small battery can be included to store excess energy generated by the fuel cell stack. This battery can provide additional power during acceleration or other high–demand situations.
6. Air Intake:
For the electrochemical reaction with hydrogen, the FCEVs pull the atmospheric air through the air intake system to provide the necessary oxygen to the fuel cell.
7. Water Vapour Release:
The byproduct of the chemical reaction in the fuel cell is water vapor, which is released as part of the vehicle’s emissions.
Working Principles of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles:
1. Hydrogen Intake:
Compressed hydrogen gas is taken from the high-pressure storage tank and fed into the fuel cell stack.
2. Electrochemical Reaction:
In the fuel cell stack, hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, water vapor, and heat. The generated electricity that powers the electric motor.
3. Electricity Generation:
The electric motor uses the generated electricity to propel the vehicle. The electric motor works like that of battery electric vehicles.
4. Water Vapor Release:
The only emission from a fuel cell vehicle is water vapor, making it a clean and environmentally friendly option.
5. Regenerative Braking:
Similar to battery electric vehicles, some Fuel cell electric vehicles incorporate regenerative braking, where the electric motor acts as a generator during braking to recover energy and charge the battery if present.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are considered environmentally friendly because they produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, and their only byproduct is water vapor. However, challenges include the development of a hydrogen infrastructure for refueling and the energy-intensive process of producing hydrogen.
3. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle:
A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle that combines features of both traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and battery electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid vehicles have the ability to operate on electric power alone for a certain distance and can also use an internal combustion engine for longer journeys. The key feature of a PHEV is its ability to be charged by plugging into an external power source.
Figure 3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Component of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
1. Electric Motor:
PHEVs are equipped with an electric motor that can propel the vehicle using electricity stored in a battery. The electric motor works in tandem with the internal combustion engine.
2. Battery Pack:
PHEVs have a larger battery pack compared to traditional hybrids, allowing them to store more electrical energy for extended electric-only driving. The battery is typically charged by plugging into an electric power source.
3. Internal Combustion Engine:
PHEVs also have a traditional internal combustion engine, usually powered by gasoline or diesel, which provides additional range when the battery is depleted.
4. Charging Port:
PHEVs are equipped with a charging port that allows the vehicle to be connected to an external power source, such as a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated charging station.
5.Onboard Charger:
The onboard charger converts AC power from the external source into DC power suitable for charging the battery.
6.Power Control Unit (PCU):
The PCU manages the power flow between the electric motor, the battery, and the internal combustion engine, optimizing efficiency and performance.
7. Regenerative Braking:
PHEVs often feature regenerative braking, where the electric motor acts as a generator during braking to convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy, which is then used to charge the battery.
Working Principle of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles:
1.Electric-Only Mode:
In electric-only mode, the PHEV operates using electricity stored in the battery. This mode is suitable for shorter trips and can be used for commuting or driving in urban areas.
2. Hybrid Mode:
When the battery charge is depleted or additional power is needed for high-demand situations, the internal combustion engine kicks in, and the vehicle operates in a hybrid mode. In this mode, both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine work together to provide power to the wheels.
3. Charging:
PHEVs can be charged by plugging into an electric power source. The battery can be charged overnight using a standard electrical outlet or more quickly using a dedicated charging station.
4.Fueling:
For longer trips or when the battery is depleted, PHEVs can be fueled like traditional vehicles at gas stations, using gasoline or diesel.
PHEVs offer a balance between the benefits of electric-only driving and the flexibility of a traditional internal combustion engine, making them a suitable choice for drivers who want to reduce their fuel consumption and emissions without sacrificing the convenience of longer driving ranges.
3. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is a type of hybrid vehicle that incorporates a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine. Unlike full hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, MHEVs cannot operate on electric power alone for an extended period; instead, the electric motor provides support to the conventional engine. The primary purpose of the electric motor in MHEVs is to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Figure 4 full Hybrid and mild hybrid vehicles
Components of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle:
1.Electric Motor:
MHEVs have a small electric motor that assists the internal combustion engine during acceleration and other high-demand situations. This motor is generally not powerful enough to propel the vehicle on its own.
2.Battery:
MHEVs feature a small battery, typically with a lower capacity than the batteries in full hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The battery stores energy captured during braking and deceleration, which is then used to assist the engine.
3.Start-Stop System:
Many MHEVs are equipped with a start-stop system, where the internal combustion engine turns off when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights. The electric motor helps restart the engine quickly and smoothly when needed.
4. Regenerative Braking System:
MHEVs often employ regenerative braking, similar to full hybrid vehicles. The electric motor acts as a generator during braking, converting kinetic energy into electricity, which is then used to charge the small battery.
5. Power Assistance:
The electric motor provides additional power during acceleration, reducing the load on the internal combustion engine and improving overall fuel efficiency.
Working Principle of MHEVs:
1. Idle Start- Stop:
When the vehicle comes to a stop, the internal combustion engine is automatically turned off to save fuel. The small electric motor helps restart the engine quickly when the driver releases the brake or presses the accelerator.
2. Acceleration Assistance:
During acceleration, the electric motor provides additional power to assist the internal combustion engine, reducing fuel consumption.
3. Regenerative Braking System:
When the driver applies the brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator, capturing energy during deceleration. This energy is used to charge the small battery.
4. Battery Assistance:
The stored electrical energy in the small battery is used to provide additional power to the electric motor during acceleration or other situations where extra power is required.
MHEVs offer fuel efficiency benefits without the need for external charging. They are often positioned as a cost-effective and simpler alternative to full hybrids or plug-in hybrids, providing some of the advantages of electrification without significant changes to the vehicle’s overall design or driving experience.
Present Scenarios of Alternative Fuel Vehicles In India
Factors Driving The Shift To Greener Mobility
Affordability & Maintenance
Conclusions
Introductions:
Alternative fuel vehicles may be defined as a vehicle that is powered by any fuel other than conventional petroleum fuels (diesel or petrol).The term “alternative fuel,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Policy Act of 1992, refers to-:
biodiesel,
electricity,
ethanol,
hydrogen,
natural gas,
propane,
and new fuels, still under development
Why Alternative Fuel Vehicles:
India is the third-largest user of transport automobiles in the world and 70% of its transport energy need is fulfilled by importing fossil fuels.
“The aim is to gradually shift to fuels, which are import substitutes, cost-effective, indigenous and pollution-free.
Conventional Fuels are limited and depleting.
The conventional fuel (gasoline) is not renewable and a day will come when our vehicles will be useless with an empty stomach as there will be no fuel to fill in. Therefore, it is necessary to go for an alternative solution.
Alternative Fuels are Pollution-free
Alternative fuel vehicles do not emit harmful exhaust gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide as well as ozone-producing emissions.
Protect against global warming
Burning fossil fuels causes a temperature rise in the earth’s atmosphere i.e. global warming.
To Save Money
Alternative fuels are less expensive in terms of the cost of fuel and maintenance of the vehicle.
Present Scenarios of Alternative Fuel Vehicles In India:
As per the Economic Times Report, 20% of cars sold in metros run on alternate fuels; sales doubled in the last 3 years.
Present Scenarios of Alternative Fuel Vehicles In India:
The Economic Times report said that the market share of alternative vehicles increased to reach 12.95 percent in urban centers this year. And this was only 4.68 percent in 2020.
Rural areas have also seen a shift on similar lines where the market share for vehicles operating on alternate powertrains rose to 8.39 percent from 3.75 percent during the same period,
Certainly, this growing acceptance of hybrid and electric vehicles hit the combined share of diesel and petrol vehicles and has gone down by 8.27 percent in Urban and 4.64 percent in rural markets.
Factors driving the shift to greener mobility:
Government push and rebates to both the manufacturers and the end users, resulted in the car manufacturers launching more electric-powered vehicles, along with the expansion of CNG dispensing stations and growing charging infrastructure for EVs, which are driving the shift away from conventional fossil fuels.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) – I and II:
FAME, or Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric vehicles, is currently India’s flagship scheme for promoting electric mobility
In its 2nd phase of implementation, FAME-II is being implemented on 1st April 2019 with a budget allocation of 10,000 Cr.
Two Wheeler: Rs 15000/- per kWh up to 40% of the cost of vehicles
Two Wheeler: 2 kWh
2.
Three Wheeler: Rs 10000/- per kWh
Three Wheeler: 5 kWh
3.
Four Wheeler : Rs 10000/- per kWh
Three Wheeler: 15 kWh
4.
E Buses: Rs 20000/- per kWh
E Buses: 250 kWh
5.
E Trucks: Rs 20000/- per kWh
E Truck: 250 kWh
The government has initiated work on the third phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-III) financial support scheme, which is likely to encompass alternative fuel vehicles,
According to a senior government official, there is a proposal to incorporate vehicles powered by alternative sources such as hydrogen and biofuels along with electric vehicles in the upcoming phase of FAME.
“The objective is to shift away from conventional polluting vehicles, and the incentive for alternative fuels aims to encourage the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) to cleaner technology,” government officials observed
As per the ET report, the Managing director of Tata Motors passenger vehicle and Passenger electric mobility, “Diesel in any case is declining.
He added that for us, we are very clear that we have defined our net zero in 2040, which means a very fast acceleration of EVs.”
Affordability & Maintenance of Electric Car:
Running Cost of Tata Tiago Electric Car:
Monthly Charging Cost Rs. 750
Daily Charging Cost Rs. 25
Per KM charging Costs Rs. 0.5
This cost is calculated based on charging the vehicle at a rate of 6.5/ units of electricity and assuming a daily run of 50 kilometers.
Maintenance of Electric Car:
As there is no internal combustion engine and no moving parts, the wear and tear is zero, hence no need to keep regular maintenance like filling mobile oil, coolant, etc.
Only periodic Tyre and battery maintenance is required in all-electric vehicles.
Conclusion:
Many Indian manufacturers like Maruti and Tata Motors are working towards doubling their EV portfolio and offering different electric vehicles in the next few months.
The share of diesel vehicles has dropped to 15 percent from the peak of 88 percent,
The share of electric vehicle sales has risen to 14-15 percent.
The EV share is likely to grow further to 25 percent by 2027 and 50 percent by the end of the decade.
India is moving rapidly towards sustainability. Electric vehicle sales and market growth are the result of the reflection of sustainability. The transition towards sustainability reflects the growth in the Indian electric vehicles market and the sales growth. As per the report of JMK research, a promising growth trend is displayed in the month of September 2023, with an impressive sales surge of 36%. As per the report and the data from the Vahan dashboard and industry research, there is a month-on-month increase of approximately 1% in the sales of Electric vehicles, totaling 127,735 units.
The electric vehicle registrations including all-electric two-wheelers, passenger three-wheelers, and electric cars, in September 2023 are 90.85% of the total vehicle registrations for the month.
In September 2023, Electric Vehicle Sales according to category:
Hi-speed electric two-wheelers have experienced a remarkable increase in their sales. In September 2023, the Hi-Speed electric two-wheelers (HSE2W) sales growth in India was approximately 2% compared to the previous month and it went 63,715 units. A significant 90.75% of the total registrations for the month of September 2023 and compared to September 2022, HS E2W sales showed a surge of 20.22%.
Top Electric vehicle, High-Speed E2W Players in September 2023:
Ola Electric is the leader in the field of electric two-wheelers segment and it has maintained its leadership position with a sale of 18635 units in the month of September 2023. Ola Electric has an extensive 29.2% market share and TVS Electric has secured a second position in this category. Revolt is also in the top ten players for the month.
Electric Vehicle Three-Wheeler (E3W) Sales Trends:
Good and impressive sales were recorded in September 2023 for the passenger and the cargo electric three-wheelers (E3W). A 2.4% month-on-month increase in the sale of passenger electric three-wheelers (E3W) was recorded with sales of 52337 units. Cargo E3W sales reached 5107 units but there was a decline of 9.6% compared to the previous month. In addition, the overall electric three-wheeler (E3W) sales recorded a month-on-month rise of around 1.2%. On a year-on-year basis, passenger Electric three-wheeler (E3W) sales in September 2023 increased by around 56%, while cargo E3W sales grew by over 90% compared to September 2022.
Top E3W Players’ Monthly Sales:
Among passenger and cargo segments, the top eight electric three-wheeler players accounted for a substantial 35.63% share of the global electric three-wheeler (E3W) market. Mahindra holds the top position with an 8.64% market share, followed by YC Electric (6.96%) and Saera Electric Auto (5.47%).
Electric Cars and Buses:
In the electric car segment, Tata Motors dominates and its market share is 68.85%. However, electric car (E-Car) sales had a slight month-on-month drop of roughly 9.9% in September 2023. In fact, electric bus (E-bus) sales exhibited promise with a 26% year-on-year increase, totaling 258 units for September 2023. Tata Motors also led the Electric-bus category with a 65.50% market share.
Conclusion:
The Indian Electric vehicle market is growing rapidly with remarkable growth in its different important segments and addressing the national vow towards sustainable and green transportation solutions. The innovative transition towards sustainable development and the electric mobility future of India is a positive outcome.
