All the top 10 cars in the list of efficient cars in 2022 fuel economy guide are electric vehicles. These cars boast of a minimum of 111 miles per gallon (~47kms/litre).
The time is right for electric cars-in fact the time is critical.
Few years back, the only EVs in the Indian market were small 2-seater cars. Cramped up for space with almost non-existent baggage space, customers were shy to buy an EV. With advanced engines and drivetrains, customers are now leaning towards the all-electric or hybrid options.
Let’s look at few reasons on what makes electric vehicles so dominantly efficient.
- High Energy to Power ratio
EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy stored in the batteries to power at the wheels. In-comparison, conventional gasoline vehicles convert only about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels. This serves as the main cause for EVs to reach such high fuel efficiencies.
- Advanced technology – battery size
Electric vehicles were developed using Cobalt oxide and Lithium manganese oxide cathodes initially. Procurement of Cobalt was difficult and costly, hence the sky-high prices for the batteries. Recently, manufacturers have switched to much cheaper and lighter Lithium-ion batteries, thus increasing efficiency of the Electric Vehicles by a huge margin.
- Lesser number of parts
More the parts, there are only around 20 moving parts in an electric engine, compared with nearly 2,000 in an ICE (internal combustion engine), so your EV will need a lot less maintenance, making your drive more efficient. Car batteries can last 3 to 5 years, and the coupled motors exclude brushes, thus reducing need for frequent maintenance.
- Ride comfort
Drive to feel the difference!! Electric Vehicles are generally quieter, providing a more comfortable and relaxing experience. EVs also provide Instant torque. You can get instant response from the car when you hit the gas pedal. This makes efficient driving especially in the city.
- Incentives from government schemes
In India, under the FAME scheme by the Central Government, incentives are provided to encourage public to move to Electric vehicles, making them cost effective as well.
- Bikes: Rs 15,000 per kWh of battery capacity (only up to 40 per cent of the cost of vehicle)
- Cars: Rs 10,000 per kWh of battery capacity (up to 1.5 Lakhs)
On top of this, Registration/Road Tax Exemption is provided from 50 to 100% by Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal State Governments.
The future is here and very much now. What we dreamt once are already in production and available in market. Electric Vehicles have for the first-time dominated the list of Efficient Cars by the Fuel Economy Guide, serving us a timely reminder that it is the right time to shift.
We will not stop until every car on the road is electric. – Eon Musk
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