As the world is trying to become more independent in terms of using natural resources, we see this inclination towards renewable energy sources in the vehicles we drive today. With most parts of the world have embraced the EV revolution, India is also witnessing the shift from conventional vehicles to choosing a more sustainable option.
With many users actively looking for more responsible and versatile driving options, the EV market in India has seen a slow but sure rise in the sale of electric vehicles. A majority of potential EV consumers are however still trying to grasp an understanding of the different EV options available in the Indian market and the extent to which they can be used.
To aid this understanding, let’s weigh the 2 main electric vehicle options we see today and what we can expect in terms of practicalities, performance, and running costs.
Plug-in Hybrid
A Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is very close to the understanding we have of electric vehicles. PHEVs are designed with both an electric power train as well as a combustion engine. So effectively, these vehicles can operate on battery, using conventional fuel (like petrol or diesel) or a combination of both.
While essentially running on battery, the engine of a plug-in hybrid is usually dormant. When the battery runs down the engine takes over, allowing the vehicle to continue uninterrupted. These are often confused with hybrid vehicles, the main difference being: if you can also plug it in to fuel it, it’s a plug-in hybrid.
PHEVs come with a bigger battery and an electric motor to back the work of a petrol or diesel engine. These vehicles hence can cover much more distance on electric power alone. On a full charge, a plug-in hybrid will allow you to drive between 30-80 kms on battery alone, depending on the model.
You cannot rely on a Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery or electric motor unless you power it up, but these vehicles work just as efficiently on their petrol or diesel engine. The power to switch to different driving modes is what makes this form of EV such a popular option.
Let’s consider the pro’s and con’s of owning a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Pro’s
- Allows for longer commutes than an electric vehicle, as both battery and fuel options power these vehicles
- No range anxiety
- Suits an urban lifestyle
- Larger batteries with better capacities
- These vehicles come with ultra-low carbon emissions, so you’re doing your bit for the environment
- Suitable for shorter distances as well
- Company car-tax rates are lower for PHEVs than standard hybrids
- Suited for those who want to shift to EVs but want to do it slowly
Con’s
- Tech, related to PHEVs are relatively more expensive than other EVs
- Can be a little pricey
- Managing chargers and cables along with fuel can be a hassle at times
- The extra weight of these vehicles can affect performance
- Batteries cost more than conventional hybrid batteries
- Safety concerns are present while having inflammable gas and charged batteries in the same space
- These vehicles still run on petrol or diesel so they’ll need all the routine upkeep like checks, oil changes etc.
Pure Electric Vehicle
A pure electric vehicle or an EV is designed to have a battery large enough and an electric motor powerful enough to cover range and performance without having to depend on an engine or fuel tank at all.
These vehicles have no combustion engines and are powered by batteries chargeable by the external power supply, like a charging point. EVs come in a wider range of budgets and are more suited for inter-city travel or smaller commutes.
Most EVs come with a driving range of around 300 kms on a single charge (depending on the model), and work perfectly for city driving, short-range delivery vehicles, and small and medium distance trips.
Everything about an EV is related to its battery. The driving range differs in different models, and the time taken to charge an EV depends on the size of the battery, and whether you’re using a home or public charging point. Most EVs take around 6-8 hours to fill up to 80% charge from depletion and are best charged overnight at home.
EVs are a sustainable charge in that they use renewable resources to run, and are much easier to maintain since they don’t have too many moving parts. These have excellent acceleration and drive almost in total silence, they are fitted with noise generators for safety purposes.
Here are some pro’s and con’s of driving an EV.
Pro’s
- With lesser wear and tear of movable parts, these vehicles cost lesser to maintain than their counterparts
- The cost of running these vehicles are lesser as the cost of electricity is lesser than petrol or diesel
- Zero carbon emissions mean lesser air pollution and a cleaner environment
- Very silent to drive
- Subsidized costs and tax reductions are offered by the government of India on the sale of EVs
- Best suited for shorter commutes
- Can double up as delivery vehicles
Con’s
- Have range limitations and are not suited for longer journeys
- Heavily depends on charging batteries
- India currently lacks the charging infrastructure needed for EVs- finding a charging point can be difficult even in cities
- Vehicle servicing is inconsistent with a lack of service centers, and replacing or servicing parts can be tedious as they have to be imported
- Are expensive
- Charging these vehicles take much longer than simply filling petrol or diesel
Conclusion
EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are both similar and different in a few aspects. While both types allow operating on chargeable batteries, Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are robustly backed by a combustible engine.
In terms of maintenance and upkeep, EVs are more easily maintained as they come in a simpler technology than PHEVs. PHEVs need the regular maintenance of a fuel engine and this can be a bummer if you’re looking to own a vehicle that takes care of itself.
Charging is key to both types of vehicles, but there’s lesser pressure driving a Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle since it doesn’t solely depend on a battery. Unlike EVs, offer greater fuel flexibility. Also, PHEVs do not match the driving range offered by EVs, owing to a bulkier engine and smaller batteries.
