The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing at a rapid pace even though petrol and diesel cars have not yet lost much steam, at least for now. But before a potential buyer abandons these fuel cars for the battery-operated ones, he or she must know where the difference lies.
The basic difference between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs is their fuel. While EVs operate on battery, ICE vehicles run on petrol or diesel.
In ICE vehicles, engine maintenance can be a big drain in the pocket, especially with the cars getting older. We have to perform a whole lot of tasks on ICE engines, that is change the coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid, which are not only cumbersome but even add to the cost of operation. However, in the case of EVs, you don’t have to bear these costs and the trouble.
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But even EVs come with their own set of expenses. Probably, the biggest cost for an EV owner would be replacing the battery. In contrast, for an ICE vehicle, this cost will not be there.
The cost of an EV battery is a whopping $5,000 (in the US) or Rs 15,000-20,000 per kilo Watt (in India). But for a new EV owner, he or she does not need to worry about this cost for at least the first three years of purchase.
Most likely, the batteries will remain intact during this period or even the manufacturers may give a replacement warranty.
On the energy efficiency front, EVs convert three-fourths of the electrical energy from the grid to power the wheels. ICE vehicles, on the other hand, use 15-30 per cent of the electrical energy to power up. So additionally, fuel is needed to power the ICE cars.
EVs are much more environment-friendly than their ICE counterparts. EVs don’t emit tailpipe pollutants. However, the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. But if the electricity is from nuclear, hydro, solar or wind-powered plants (renewable energy), there are no air pollutants.
On the performance front, electric vehicles provide a very quiet and smooth operation. Also, the acceleration is amazing. These vehicles require less maintenance than ICEs.
So far as driving range goes, EVs are at a disadvantage. They have a shorter driving range compared to ICE cars. Most EVs can travel 160 km on a single charge while some others travel 320 km. Added to this, if there are no charging stations, then the EV owner would be left in the lurch.
Therefore, to give EVs a head start, there is a need to boost infrastructure. Besides many more charging points, it also includes the numerous service stations that EV companies or others need to set up.
Also, the time for recharge is an important factor. Full recharge (under the current scenario) can take 4-12 hours. If you want fast recharge, 80 per cent can be done in half an hour.
Studies suggest that EV batteries may last 10-15 years under moderate climates. But in extreme climates, their life is shorter, that is, 8-12 years.
So, in the electric vehicle versus ICE cars race, EVs have a clear advantage.
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