Why is it in the News?

Calculations by HSBC Research show overall carbon emissions are lower in hybrids compared to electrics. India's electric mobility plan is currently focused on battery electrics. But as global examples show, there are challenges to the wider adoption of EVs in India.

Context:

• HSBC Research recommends India prioritize hybrid vehicles as a crucial step towards full electrification over 5-10 years.
• Hybrid cars offer lower emissions compared to traditional and electric vehicles, with emissions likely to converge within a decade.
• Combining internal combustion engines with onboard electric motors, hybrids provide a balanced propulsion approach.
• This strategy aligns with India's sustainability goals, bridging the gap towards complete electrification in transportation.

Why does Hybrid Vehicles are a Good Medium-term Solution?

• Hybrid vehicles are an effective medium-term solution for India's transportation needs as it progresses towards full electrification.
• Hybrids, along with compressed natural gas cars, offer practical advantages over the next 5-10 years.
• They are deemed critical not only for cost-effectiveness but also for India's decarbonization efforts.
  • Hybrids emit 133 g/km of total (well-to-wheel) carbon emissions, compared to 158 g/km for electric vehicles, making hybrids at least 16% less polluting.
• This analysis factors in not just tailpipe emissions but also considers emissions from vehicle operations (tank-to-wheel) and the entire lifecycle, including crude mining, refining, and power generation.

For How Long Is This Situation Expected to Hold?

• The convergence of emissions between electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids is anticipated within 7-10 years.
  • Currently, in India, non-fossil fuel sources account for 26% of power generation, with a blended emission rate of 716g/kWh.
  • The emissions from hybrid cars and EVs will align once non-fossil fuel power generation in India reaches 44%.
• Even with a projected 40% share of non-fossil fuels by 2030, hybrids are predicted to emit 8% less than EVs, although this reduction will be half of the current 16%.

What are the Challenges Faced by Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)?

The global push for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) faces several challenges:

• Upfront Subsidy: BEV adoption, as seen in Norway, the US, and China, heavily relies on state subsidies.
  • However, in countries like India, direct subsidies often benefit middle or upper-middle-class buyers, raising equity concerns.
• Charging Infrastructure: Investing in charging networks, as demonstrated by Norway and China, significantly boosts EV adoption.
  • However, India's charging infrastructure lags, with only about 2,000 operational public charging stations, posing a challenge, especially considering the dominance of two- and three-wheelers.
• Electricity Source: Unlike countries with renewable-heavy grids, India largely relies on coal-fired plants.
  • This raises questions about the environmental benefits of EVs and highlights the need for cleaner energy generation.
• Value Chain: India's reliance on lithium-ion batteries exposes the vulnerability in the global supply chain, primarily dominated by a few countries.
  • Diversification strategies are crucial to mitigate risks and ensure sustainable battery production.

What are the Difference Between Hybrid and Electric Vehicles?

• Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles utilize a combination of an internal combustion engine (usually gasoline-powered) and an electric motor.
  • These vehicles can operate on both gasoline and electricity, either separately or in tandem.
  • The environmental impact of hybrid vehicles is typically lower than that of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles due to their ability to switch to electric power, reducing fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions.
  • However, they still rely partially on fossil fuels and produce emissions during combustion.
• Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by electricity stored in batteries.
  • They produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them cleaner and more environmentally friendly than hybrid vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
    • However, the overall environmental impact of EVs depends on factors such as the source of electricity generation.
  • If the electricity comes from renewable sources like solar or wind, EVs can have a significantly lower environmental footprint compared to hybrid vehicles.

Does Electric Vehicles Pollute More than Hybrid Vehicles?

It's not accurate to say that electric cars pollute more than hybrid cars in general. However, there are specific contexts where electric cars might appear to have a higher environmental impact than hybrids.

• One such context is during the manufacturing process. Electric cars typically require large batteries, which involve the extraction of raw materials like lithium and cobalt.
  • The extraction and processing of these materials can result in environmental degradation and pollution.
  • Additionally, the manufacturing process for electric cars may require more energy compared to hybrid vehicles.
• Another factor is the source of electricity used to charge electric cars.
  • If the electricity comes from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, then the overall environmental impact of electric cars may be higher than that of hybrids, which can partially rely on gasoline.
  • However, as renewable energy sources like solar and wind power become more prevalent, the environmental benefits of electric cars increase significantly.
• In terms of operational emissions, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, while hybrids emit pollutants when running on gasoline.
  • However, hybrids still produce fewer emissions than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

What About Other “Clean Vehicles”?

• Apart from electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer another zero-emission alternative.
• Unlike electric vehicles, which draw power from charging stations, hydrogen fuel cell cars generate electricity internally.
• They utilize a fuel cell that combines hydrogen from an onboard tank with oxygen from the air, emitting only water vapour and warm air.
• While hydrogen fuel cell cars hold promise for decarbonizing industries like aviation and shipping, they face challenges.
• They are less common and pricier than electric cars, with lower energy efficiency.
• Moreover, the environmental impact of hydrogen production varies: "green hydrogen" sourced from renewable energy is scarce, while most hydrogen is currently derived from "grey" or "blue" processes, which involve emissions or carbon capture complexities.

Conclusion

While hybrid vehicles offer a transitional solution, electric vehicles remain pivotal in reducing emissions. Overcoming challenges in charging infrastructure and energy sourcing is vital for maximizing their environmental benefits. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles show promise but require significant advancements. A holistic approach, including innovation and policy support, is crucial for realizing the potential of clean mobility solutions.