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UPSC GS Paper – 3: Q15. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

Gaurav Soni September 30, 2023 04:35 4350 1

Daily Answer Writing DAILY UPSC ANSWER WRITTING 2023 General Studies-III

UPSC GS Paper – 3: Q15. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

Q15. The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles?

How to approach the question

Introduction

●      Write about growing electric vehicle adoption globally briefly

Body

●      Write how electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions

●      Write the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles

●      Write suitable way ahead in this regard

Conclusion

●      Give appropriate conclusion in this regard

Introduction

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is witnessing an exponential growth globally as nations seek sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Today, EVs are increasingly seen as a viable solution for reducing carbon emissions. EV sales in India hit record 965868 units in first 8 months of 2023 which constitutes robust 65% year- on-year growth

Body

Electric Vehicles Contribute to Reducing Carbon Emissions in the following ways

  • Zero Tailpipe Emissions: EVs like Tesla’s Model S produce zero tailpipe emissions, in contrast to traditional vehicles that emit a range of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. This directly improves air quality in congested cities.
  • Energy Efficiency: Tesla Model 3 sets a benchmark in this category by converting more than 77% of electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. In contrast, internal combustion engines (ICE) usually manage only 12-30% energy conversion, wasting a significant amount of fuel.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: The Chevrolet Bolt, for example, can be charged using solar power systems. This means that if charged via renewable resources, EVs can operate with nearly zero emissions, effectively reducing their carbon footprint to negligible levels.
  • Regenerative Braking: The Nissan Leaf utilizes a regenerative braking system that captures the vehicle’s kinetic energy during braking to recharge the battery, making the vehicle more efficient and reducing overall energy waste.
  • Urban Air Quality: Vehicles like the Chevy Bolt, which have zero tailpipe emissions, contribute to significantly improved air quality in urban environments, thus reducing the incidence of respiratory ailments.
  • Reduced Noise Pollution: Audi’s e-Tron, for instance, operates much more quietly compared to ICE vehicles, substantially reducing noise pollution—an important concern in crowded urban settings.
  • Lightweight Materials: BMW’s i3 uses carbon fiber-reinforced polymer to reduce the car’s weight, making it more energy-efficient and, therefore, reducing its energy consumption and emissions even further.
  • Grid Support: The concept of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), supported by models like the Nissan Leaf, allows EVs to feed energy back into the grid during periods of high demand. This reduces the requirement for additional fossil fuel-based energy production.

Key Benefits Compared to Traditional Combustion Engine Vehicles

  • Cost-Effective: Vehicles like the Tata Nexon EV are proving that the total cost of ownership for an electric vehicle can be significantly lower than for an ICE vehicle. With fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes, the long-term savings are substantial.
  • Instant Torque: The Mahindra eVerito and other similar electric cars offer instant torque and acceleration, providing a more responsive and exhilarating driving experience. This is because electric motors generate maximum torque at zero RPM, unlike traditional engines that require time to rev up.
  • Design Flexibility: Electric vehicles offer a unique advantage in terms of design. The placement of batteries, often flat and low on the vehicle chassis as seen in the MG ZS EV, allows designers to offer more cabin space, providing an enhanced passenger experience.
  • Safety Measures: The Tata Tigor EV and other electric cars are inherently safer because they don’t carry combustible fuel. The absence of a fuel tank reduces the risk of fire and enhances structural rigidity, increasing overall safety.
  • Software Updates: Modern electric vehicles offer the convenience of over-the-air software updates. This feature, although popularized by Tesla globally, is making its way into Indian models, ensuring that vehicle systems are always up-to-date without requiring a trip to the service centre.
  • Multiple Charging Options: The Hyundai Kona Electric offers multiple charging options, including the convenience of home charging. This flexibility eases the transition to electric mobility, making it less dependent on public charging infrastructure.
  • Emission Standards Compliance: With increasingly stringent emission norms like Bharat Stage VI in India, electric vehicles have a built-in advantage. They naturally meet these norms, as opposed to ICE vehicles that often require complex and expensive modifications for compliance.
  • Tax Benefits: The Indian government’s FAME II scheme provides various tax benefits and subsidies for electric vehicles. For example, the GST on electric vehicles has been reduced to 5% from 12%, making cars like the Tata Nexon EV even more affordable.
  • Reduced Dependence on Oil: One of India’s strategic vulnerabilities is its dependence on oil imports. As electric vehicles gain traction, aided by government schemes like FAME II, India could substantially reduce its geopolitical risks associated with oil.
  • Consumer Choice: Lastly, the choice for consumers in the electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding. From economical options like the Tata Nexon EV to upcoming luxury models such as the Tesla Model 3, consumers in India now have a wide array of options.

Way Ahead

  • Infrastructure Expansion: Beyond merely increasing the number of charging stations, there should be a focus on multi-functional “Energy Hubs” that combine fast-charging stations, solar power generation, and convenience stores, thereby enhancing the user experience.
  • Battery Research: Investment should be directed towards solid-state battery technology, which promises greater energy density and faster charging times. Collaboration between academia and industry players could fast-track innovations like battery-swapping stations for immediate “refuelling.”
  • Legislation: While tightening emission standards is essential, adding an “Eco-Score” on vehicle registration cards based on the car’s lifetime emissions could incentivize the switch to electric vehicles.
  • Public Transport: In addition to electrifying buses and taxis, utilizing autonomous electric shuttles for last-mile connectivity in public transit networks can significantly reduce both traffic and emissions.
  • Smart Grids: Develop “Vehicle-to-Grid” systems where parked electric vehicles could supply excess power back to the grid during peak hours, thereby serving as mobile energy storage units.
  • Financial Incentives: Consider a dynamic subsidy program that decreases as adoption rates increase, encouraging early adoption. Also, create a secondary market for used EV batteries for applications like home energy storage, which can make the initial cost of EVs more bearable.
  • Local Manufacturing: Incentivize the domestic production of EV components by offering tax benefits to companies that source locally-manufactured parts. This not only boosts the local economy but also reduces the overall cost of the vehicle.
  • Carbon Pricing: Implementation of a carbon credit system could help. EV owners could earn credits for the miles they drive, which could be sold to companies required to offset their carbon footprint. This creates a tangible monetary value for reducing emissions.

Conclusion

The rapid adoption of EVs offers a tangible path for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. As they already present multiple advantages over traditional vehicles, a multifaceted approach encompassing financial, legislative, and educational elements is required to catalyze a faster and more sustainable transition to electric vehicles.

 

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-01 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-02 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-03 Mains question 2023, click here.

For a Detailed explanation of the UPSC GS-04 Mains question 2023, click here.

 

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