Context: 

A  research by HSBC shows that India needs to embrace hybrid vehicles over the next 5-10 years on the way to full electrification.

Why Hybrid Vehicles Could Be A Cleaner Solution for India Than EVs?

• In a Note to Investors: HSBC maintains that hybrid and compressed natural gas cars are a practical medium-term (5-10 years) solution for India from the perspective of decarbonisation while the country moves towards eventual electrification.
• India Focus: India‘s  electric mobility plan is largely focussed on battery electric vehicles replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with the Centre offering clear tax incentives.
  •  Li-ion is seen as the most viable battery option for now.

Findings of the Analysis 

• Convergence: EV and hybrid emissions could converge after 7-10 years, if non-fossil power generation in India moves up to 44%.
  • But even if India’s share of non-fossil fuels is 40%, hybrid vehicles will still release 8% less emissions than EVs, which  will be half of the 16% of today by 2030.
• Present status:  The non-fossil share of power generation in India in FY23 was 26%, and the blended Indian power generation emission was 716g/kWh. 
  • Total (well-to-wheel) carbon emissions: for an EV it  is currently 158 g/km, compared to 133 g/km for hybrid vehicles,  which means that a hybrid vehicle is at least 16% less polluting than the corresponding EV.
  • Total (well-to-wheel WTW) emissions, includes vehicle tailpipe emissions  (tank-to-wheel, or TTW) and emissions from crude mining, refining, and power generation also.

Also  Read:

• India Joins Battery Energy Storage Systems Consortium
• Battery Energy Storage Systems

News Source: The Indian Express