A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has challenged the claim that electric vehicles (EVs) are more environment-friendly than hybrid cars and conventional internal combustion engine cars.
The study, which was conducted by Prof Avinash Agarwal of IIT Kanpur's Engine Research Lab, found that battery electric cars (BEVs) emit 15-50 per cent more greenhouse gases (GHGs) in different categories than other vehicles.
The study found that the manufacturing, use and scrapping of BEVs produces more GHGs than hybrid and conventional engine cars. This is because the battery used in BEVs requires a lot of energy to produce, and the electricity used to charge the battery is often generated from fossil fuels.
The study also found that the purchase, insurance and maintenance of BEVs are also costlier by 15-60 per cent.
The study's findings have implications for the government's plans to promote EVs in India. The government has been offering subsidies and tax breaks to buyers of EVs, but the IIT Kanpur study suggests that these incentives may not be enough to offset the higher costs of owning and operating an EV.
The study also found that hybrid electric cars (HEVs) are the most eco-friendly. HEVs have a gasoline engine and an electric motor, and they can switch between the two power sources depending on the driving conditions. This allows HEVs to achieve better fuel efficiency than conventional cars.
The IIT Kanpur study's findings suggest that the government should focus on promoting HEVs rather than BEVs. HEVs are more affordable and environmentally friendly than BEVs, and they are also more practical for most Indian drivers.
The government should also consider removing the subsidies and tax breaks for BEVs. These incentives are not necessary, and they are actually making BEVs more expensive than they need to be.
The IIT Kanpur study's findings are a wake-up call for the government. The government needs to reconsider its plans to promote EVs in India. BEVs are not the answer, and the government should focus on promoting HEVs instead.