Recently, the state government of Uttar Pradesh announced the waiver of registration fees for strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs). This move aligns Uttar Pradesh with Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh, which also offer incentives to promote cleaner alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Electric Vehicle
- An Electric Vehicle (EV) is defined as a vehicle that can be powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source.
Types of Elective Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): These are fully powered by electricity. These are more efficient compared to hybrid and plug-in hybrids.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Electric energy for EVs is produced from chemical energy. For Example, a Hydrogen FCEV.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): It is also called Strong Hybrid EV. The vehicle uses both the internal combustion (usually petrol) engine and the battery-powered motor powertrain. The petrol engine is used both to drive and charge when the battery is empty. These vehicles are not as efficient as fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): These use both an internal combustion engine and a battery charged from an external socket (they have a plug).
Vehicle’s battery can be charged with an external electricity source only and not by engine.
PHEVs are more efficient than HEVs but less efficient than BEVs.
PHEVs can run in at least 2 modes
- Hybrid Mode, in which both electricity and petrol/diesel are employed.
- All-electric Mode, in which the motor and battery provide all the car’s energy.
Significance of Hybrid EVs
- Practicality in the Medium Term (5-10 years): Since they do not require an external charging infrastructure, hybrids are seen as a practical and viable option for the medium term as India gradually moves towards full electrification of its vehicle fleet. This transition is expected to take 5-10 years.
- Cost of Ownership Perspective: Hybrids are considered cost-effective as several state governments are giving waivers on registration fees, RTO fees etc.
- For Example, UP government has announced a 100% waiver on registration fees for strong hybrids, potentially saving buyers up to Rs 3.5 lakh.
- Hybrid cars have better fuel economy compared to conventional fuel cars leading to cost savings for drivers over time.
- Critical for Decarbonisation Drive: Hybrid vehicles play a role in India’s decarbonisation efforts. Hybrid vehicles have lower total (well-to-wheel, or WTW) carbon emissions than both electric and traditional ICE vehicles for similarly sized vehicles.
- Hybrids emit 133 g/km of CO2, while EVs emit 158 g/km. This translates to hybrids being 16% less polluting than the corresponding EV.
- These are 176 g/km for petrol and 201 g/km for diesel vehicles.