Comparing electric and gasoline vehicles: Which ultimately rules the highway?
In the heart of Kenya, a taxi driver named Munene is making waves by switching from a traditional petrol-run vehicle to an electric one, specifically a Nissan Leaf. This decision has not only saved him money but also contributed to the growing movement towards electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
EVs, praised for their smooth, fast, and quiet movement, deliver torque instantly. This contrasts with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which develop torque over a range of RPMs, requiring the engine to reach certain speeds to develop peak torque and power.
The instant power in EVs comes from the electric motor's ability to deliver maximum torque immediately from zero RPM due to the nature of electric current and motor design. This results in better acceleration, smoother response, and higher energy conversion efficiency in EVs, while ICEs have more complex mechanical parts and delayed torque delivery tied to engine speed.
Electricity, being significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, also makes EVs an attractive choice. In Kenya, powering an EV vehicle costs less than Sh500 for a 300 km range. However, the initial cost of a new Nissan Leaf in Kenya ranges from Sh1.3 million to Sh1.7 million.
The Kenyan government is encouraging the adoption of EVs through tax breaks and import duty exemptions. The Treasury aims to reduce urban air pollution by promoting EVs, which produce zero tailpipe emissions.
However, the charging infrastructure in Kenya is currently patchy, limiting the movements of EV owners like Munene. Despite this, the popularity of EVs is growing, as indicated by the bustling charging station at the Waterfront Mall in Karen.
The roads of the future are tilting towards electric vehicles, but the internal combustion engine still has fuel left in the tank. ICE vehicles, with their raw engine growl and gear-shifting thrill, continue to have a dedicated following.
Choosing between an EV and an ICE vehicle depends less on ideology and more on practicality. While ICE cars remain cheaper on their initial buying price, and clients have a wider variety of models, including affordable second-hand options, the long-term savings and environmental benefits of EVs are undeniable.
As the global transportation industry shifts towards greener options, the debate between EVs and ICE vehicles is far from over. The manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles involves mining and environmental costs, which is a concern that needs to be addressed.
In the end, it's clear that the future of transportation lies in a balance between EVs and ICE vehicles, with each offering unique advantages and challenges. For Munene, the switch to an EV has been a successful one, and he encourages others to consider the long-term benefits of this cleaner, more efficient mode of transport.
- In the realm of environmental science, Munene's switch to an electric vehicle (EV) serves as a testament to the potential of EVs in reducing urban air pollution and combating climate change.
- The instant torque delivery of EVs, as a result of the electric motor's design, makes them more efficient and eco-friendly compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
- In Kenyan politics, there's an ongoing effort to promote the adoption of EVs through tax breaks and import duty exemptions, aiming to foster a greener, more sustainable future.
- Despite the patchy charging infrastructure in Kenya, the popularity of EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, is growing, fueled by long-term savings and environmental benefits, as exemplified by Munene's success with his EV.
