By The following variables made the move towards EVs (electric vehicles) more sensible in the northern hemisphere. A continuing increase in environmental concerns about the impact of internal combustion engines (ICE). Cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles (EVs). And the rapid development in EV technology, like better energy storage and longer ranges. And of course, closer to home, the unabated increase in petrol prices made this move even more sensible. Yes, electric vehicles aren’t cheap or have the longest range. And the crippling load-shedding would make a would-be electric car buyer think twice or thrice about shelling out that kind of money on an EV. But this is about how efficient EVs are compared to ICE vehicles.
According to the CEO of MasterDrive, Mr Eugene Herbert, a study conducted by Yale Climate Connections report, internal combustion engines (ICE) are less efficient than EVs, since energy is lost during the conversion of fuel into power. “ICE vehicles lose between 74% and 85% of their original energy in their fuel. This loss is attributed to the heat produced in the engine, pumps, cooling systems, and mechanical friction.”
“In comparison, EVs do not need to convert energy from one form to another and therefore are more efficient. During the charging process, cooling, power steering, drivetrain and auxillary components en gy is lost though. But this accounts for a meagre 31%-35% energy loss which a 22% is then recuperated through regenerative braking. So comparatively, EVs lose approximately 13% of their original energy.” This is a significant efficiency compared to their ICE counterparts.
As fascinating as studies and theories are, we need to break this down to a more relatable, everyday scenario. “Using South Africa’s most affordable fully electric electric vehicle, the Mini Cooper SE (from R723K, the taxman is to blame for the SE’s lofty purchase price), it costs approximately R177 to fully charge (depending on the cost of the kWh) which gives you a range of about 217km.” Obviously one must factor in real world driving which could be slightly different from these figures.
“The Mini Cooper S (from R615K), with a slightly higher power output and claimed fuel consumption of 6L/100km, costs R283 to travel 217km. Assuming the real-world fuel consumption is slightly higher than the claimed and depending on how the vehicle is driven, it is safe to assume that the cost is higher than this. Thus, again, the EV performs more efficiently. In comparisons between other vehicles there are variations but, EVs are more efficient.”
Environment impact aside, EVs have benefits on a driver’s pocket. Which is a plus in these economically challenging times, with ever hiking fuel prices. “EVs have many more efficiency benefits for consumers as well. In congested traffic it uses no power, but regeneration of power is limited. EVs thrive with drivers that alternate between higher speeds and frequent braking.”
In anticipation of the widespread use of EVs as fuel prices continue to skyrocket and efficiency benefits, “MasterDrive, developed fleet policies and training programs to enable fleets to make the transition. Therefore, if your organization is making this transition or plans to do so, contact us by visiting www.masterdrive.co.za or calling 086 110 0618.”
“It thus far shows that there are efficiency benefits to EVs that ICE vehicles struggle to compete with. Once EVs have price parity with ICE vehicles in South Africa, this will be even better. Consequently, the answer is yes, EVs are more efficient,” says Herbert. But the proof is in the ‘petrol.’