Will Hybrids and Electric Cars Help Curb Pollution This Winter?

Winters have always been one of the best seasons to be around in India. The chilly weather, spicy food and chai are all combinations made perfectly in India. But with the turn of the century and with the advent of the recent climate change, Indian winters have all been about fighting smog and pollution. Every year there are new rules applied and new technologies introduced in severally affected locations like Delhi NCR to curb pollution.

Trending along the same lines, automakers have decided to setup the game and introduced reduced or zero tailpipe emission powertrain options of many models in their line-up. So, with the winters approaching soon, has Indian automobile industry found its solution for vehicular pollution with the new hybrid and electric models? Let’s find out. 

In the recent increase in fuel price and stringent emission norms have forced organisations, consumers, and policymakers to boost EV popularity in the country. In 2017, India’s Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari surprised everyone by outlining the aim to phase out conventional combustion-engine cars by the end of 2070. An ambitious but realistic target considering that developed countries like the United Kingdom and France are hoping to achieve this by 2040. Now, the Indian government wants electric passenger cars to make up at least 30 percent of the Indian automobile market by 2030. Globally, experts and governments believe that electric vehicles or hybrids are more environmentally friendly than traditional vehicles. 

Yes, electric vehicles are not completely emission free. What they do help is in removing tailpipe emission and moving it to a remote location which can be outside the severally affected area. With further research, we are sure the reliability on rear earth minerals for battery production will come down, further helping reduce pollution. But in the meantime, here are the other benefits of owning EVs and hybrids this winter. 

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Electrics and Hybrids: Removing engine’s toxic emissions

As per the data, internal combustion engines produce the maximum number of pollutants that affects the environment. By using electric cars, harmful pollutants like particulates (soot), hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are eliminated. Pollutants especially nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are the leading causes of respiratory and cardiovascular disease worldwide. 

Electric and Hybrids: Removing noise pollution

One of the benefits of Hybrids cars or EVs is less noise pollution. Electric motors are noiseless in comparison to conventional ICE vehicles and their exhaust systems. While petrol and diesel vehicle owners can add muffling devices to lower the noise but, the mufflers can’t completely shut down the engine sound.

Electric and Hybrids: Low-Running Cost

And the last benefit of owning electric or hybrid models during this winter is the low-running costs associated with everyday running. Current hybrids return up to 28 kmpl while EVs cost less than Rs 100 to charge. In addition, these powertrain models can also get exempt from the government to be run in peak pollution areas, adding to the stress-free ownership experience.  

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