Petrol prices have crossed 117 INR, and there’s a possibility of rates crossing 150/- INR before the end of 2022. In this scenario, the government has developed numerous alternate, eco-friendly, and cost-effective vehicle options for the Indian market. I guess it’s time to ‘accept’ these prospects. I am writing this article for more clarity on options available and soon-to-be available.
The transport sector accounts for 18% of total energy consumption in India. This translates to an assessed 94 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) energy. If India were to follow the current trends of energy consumption, it would require an estimated 200 MTOE of energy supply annually, by the year 2030 to meet the demand of this sector. At the moment, this demand is being met mostly through imported crude oil, which therefore makes this sector vulnerable to the volatile International crude oil prices. Moreover, the industry also contributes an estimated 142 Million Tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, out of which 123 million tonnes is contributed by the road transport segment alone.
Keeping in view the climate change commitments made by Government of India during the COP21 Summit held at Paris to reduce emission intensity by 33- 35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, it is pertinent to introduce alternative means in the transport sector which can be coupled with India’s rapid economic growth, rising urbanization, travel demand and country’s energy security. Electric mobility presents a viable alternative in addressing these challenges, when packaged with innovative pricing solutions, appropriate technology and support infrastructure and thus, has been on the radar of Government of India.
The government of India has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in India. With the government’s support, electric cars have started penetrating the Indian market. The charging points for the car are gradually increasing pan-India, and I guess this is the best time to go electrical. For less than 1 rupee per KM, you’ll be able to drive your new electric car for over 350km. The best option available is MG EV 2022, which I recommend.
Hydrogen-powered fuel cars
Many automakers are looking for alternative ways to power cars and other vehicles as governments strive to achieve pledges to cut carbon emissions and limit the usage of fossil fuels. This includes developing technologies for electric cars and vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen automobiles have an electric motor that runs on hydrogen fuel cells, which allow hydrogen to react with oxygen to produce energy and water vapour chemically.
The engine is powered by electricity, while the water vapour is harmlessly released into the atmosphere.
Fuel cell electric vehicles, commonly known as hydrogen fuel cell automobiles, are refuelled with hydrogen at particular service stations with pressurised natural gas tanks.
Hydrogen automobiles have many of the same advantages as electric cars, including the absence of polluting emissions.
While producing hydrogen gas is a complicated process, it is the most plentiful element in the universe, making it a renewable fuel source. Hydrogen automobiles are also faster to refill than electric cars, and they have far longer ranges. Renault’s Kangoo Z.E. Hydrogen and Master Z.E. Hydrogen, for example, include range extender fuel cells that provide over 350 kilometres of range and charge periods of only 5-10 minutes.
The absence of infrastructure to facilitate the use of hydrogen cars is the primary issue. Due to a scarcity of refueling facilities, hydrogen vehicles are currently not a practical alternative for many people. However, hydrogen infrastructure is thought to be simple to scale up, so this problem could be solved with suitable investment and support.
Currently, the expense of hydrogen electricity is a major issue. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are not inexpensive, and refueling costs vary widely between countries. For example, in the United States, the cost of refueling a hydrogen-powered car is four times that of recharging an electric car. However, with the cost of hydrogen fuel cells plummeting by more than 80% in recent years, this also appears to be changing.
Conclusion
So, if you want to avoid giving 150/- INR per Litre for petrol, wait for hydrogen cars to take over the market, or go electric ASAP. Don’t wait any further. There are enough charging points available now, and the government will only be able to increase it once enough people trust and buy electric vehicles.
