Electric Vehicles vs Regular Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis

The debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and regular vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE) has seen significant debate and growth in recent years, fueled by major advancements in technology and growing environmental concerns. In India, the government’s efforts in improving infrastructure and offering incentives are propelling the adoption of EVs, indicating a promising future for these eco-friendly vehicles.

Market Trends and Government Initiatives

In India, the market for EVs is still in its nascent stage, but it is rapidly growing. According to a report by JMK Research and Analytics, the share of EVs in passenger vehicles is estimated to grow to 12% by 2025-26. This growth is evident in registration numbers, with new electric passenger cars recording a 109% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in 2020, and sales registering a staggering 361.78% y-o-y increase. To support this growth, the government has launched the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, currently in Phase II (2019-2022). This initiative offers financial benefits to both consumers and manufacturers, further accelerating the adoption of EVs.

Practical Considerations

Choosing between an EV and a regular vehicle depends on your specific needs. For short commutes under 150 miles round trip, an EV serves as an excellent choice, especially if you can charge at home. However, for longer trips of 300 miles round trip, an EV becomes less practical because it requires at least one, if not two, charging stops, potentially doubling the travel time.

Moreover, if you cannot charge at home, an EV becomes impractical due to the necessity of using public chargers, which may be infrequent and slow. This issue highlights the need for better charging infrastructure in urban and rural areas alike.

Environmental Impact and Manufacturing Pollutants

From an environmental perspective, EVs offer clear benefits. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) both reduce air pollution compared to conventional vehicles. Although the production of batteries and fuel cells does produce some pollutants, the overall environmental impact is generally less than that of oil extraction and refining processes.

The production and distribution of hydrogen for FCEVs remain challenges, although technology is advancing rapidly to address these issues. Recharging times for BEVs are also a notable drawback compared to refueling times for FCEVs, although refueling technology for FCEVs is closer to traditional fueling methods.

Technical Comparisons and Future Scenarios

Technically, the differences between BEVs and FCEVs are not as vast as they may seem. Both are designed with renewable energy in mind, and their core operations, including braking, suspension, and other mechanical systems, are similar to those of conventional vehicles. The primary differences lie in their power sources and the infrastructure required to support them.

Both types of vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages. FCEVs are more suitable for long-distance travel and large vehicles like trains and shipping, where recharging infrastructure is less of an issue. However, BEVs are more convenient for daily use due to the wide availability of charging points in residential areas and cities.

To achieve mainstream adoption, the focus should be on expanding charging and refueling infrastructure. We are already seeing the coexistence of petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles, and a similar scenario may unfold for BEVs and FCEVs. Combining both technologies could provide a more comprehensive solution to our transportation needs, offering a range of options tailored to different user needs and situations.

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