Electric Vehicles vs. Petrol/Diesel Cars: A Comparison

As the Automotive industry undergoes a significant transformation, the debate between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars powered by petrol or diesel is more relevant than ever. With the government pushing for cleaner energy solutions and consumers seeking both efficiency and affordability, understanding the differences between EVs and petrol/diesel cars is critical.

This article delves into key aspects such as environmental impact, cost performance, infrastructure, and future trends, providing a data-driven comparison.

1. Environmental Impact

One of the most significant distinctions between EVs and petrol/diesel cars is their environmental impact.

a) Carbon Emissions

• Petrol/Diesel Cars:
  Traditional ICE vehicles emit large amounts of CO₂, NOₓ, and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). A typical petrol car emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ annually, assuming it travels around 22,000 km per year.
• EVs:
  EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. However, their environmental footprint depends on the electricity source. In regions with a high share of renewable energy, the lifecycle emissions of EVs can be 40-60% lower than ICE vehicles.

b) Air Pollution

• Petrol/Diesel Cars: Emit harmful pollutants contributing to urban air pollution. Diesel engines, particularly, are notorious for emitting particulate matter (PM) and NOₓ.
• EVs: Contribute significantly less to local air pollution, improving urban air quality.

2. Cost of Ownership

Aspect	Petrol/ Diesel Cars	Electric Vehicles
Upfront Cost	₹7-15 lakh for mid-range models	₹10-20 lakh for mid-range models
Fuel/Energy Cost	₹100-120 per liter (Petrol) or ₹85-95 (Diesel)	₹100-120 per litre (Petrol) or ₹85-95 (Diesel)
Maintenance	Higher (frequent oil changes, engine wear)	Lower (fewer moving parts, no oil changes)
TCO (5 Years)	₹8-10 lakh (including fuel, maintenance)	₹6-8 lakh (depending on usage and incentives)

EVs can save owners around ₹1-2 lakh in fuel costs over five years, assuming an average of 15,000 km/year.

3. Performance and Driving Experience

a) Acceleration and Torque

• Petrol/Diesel Cars: Acceleration depends on engine size and tuning. Petrol engines provide smooth performance, while diesel engines offer high torque, ideal for towing.
• EVs: Known for instant torque, leading to faster acceleration. For instance, a Tesla Model 3 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, outperforming many high-performance petrol cars.

b) Driving Range

• Petrol/Diesel Cars: Offer a range of 500-800 km on a full tank.
• EVs: Typically offer a range of 300-600 km on a full charge. However, high-end models like the Tesla Model S can exceed 600 km.

4. Infrastructure

a) Refuelling/Charging Network

• Petrol/Diesel Cars: Benefit from an extensive network of fuel stations, with over 70,000 stations across India.
• EVs: Charging infrastructure is growing but remains limited. As of 2024, India has around 5,000 public charging stations, with government plans to increase this number significantly under the FAME II scheme.

b) Charging Time

• Petrol/Diesel Cars: Refueling takes 5-10 minutes.
• EVs: Charging times vary:
  • Home charging: 6-8 hours (AC charger)
  • Fast charging: 30-60 minutes for 80% charge (DC fast charger)

5. Government Incentives and Policies

Governments worldwide, including India, are promoting EV adoption through various incentives:

• India:
  • FAME II scheme offers incentives up to ₹1.5 lakh for EV buyers.
  • GST on EVs reduced to 5% compared to 28% for ICE vehicles.
  • Income tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on interest paid on EV loans.
• Global:
  • The U.S. offers federal tax credits of up to $7,500.
  • European countries like Norway provide exemptions from VAT and registration fees.

6. Market Trends

The global EV market is witnessing exponential growth:

• Global EV Sales:
  In 2023, EV sales crossed 10 million units globally, a 55% increase from 2022. China leads the market, followed by Europe and the U.S.
• India’s EV Market:
  India aims to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030. Sales of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers have surged, with companies like Tata Motors and Ola Electric driving growth.
• Petrol/Diesel Cars:
  Sales of ICE vehicles are stagnating in developed markets but remain robust in developing countries. However, stricter emission norms and rising fuel costs are expected to impact future sales.

7. Challenges for EV Adoption

Despite their advantages, EVs face challenges:

• High Upfront Cost: Battery technology accounts for 30-40% of an EV’s cost, making it more expensive than ICE cars.
• Charging Infrastructure: Limited charging stations, especially in rural areas, hinder widespread adoption.
• Battery Recycling: Efficient recycling of lithium-ion batteries remains a concern for environmental sustainability.

The choice between an EV and a petrol/diesel car depends on various factors, including budget, driving needs, and environmental consciousness. While EVs offer significant advantages in terms of lower emissions, cost savings, and performance, they still face challenges related to charging infrastructure and initial costs.

However, with rapid advancements in battery technology, government support, and growing consumer awareness, the future of transportation appears to be electric. By 2030, EVs are expected to dominate the automotive market, making them a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.