Driving a sustainable future
AS we progress into the future, people are becoming increasingly aware of the damage that modern technology inflicts on the environment.
As such, efforts have been taken to reduce our carbon footprint, resulting in the emergence of new technology such as green vehicles.
Vehicles contribute large amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and are greatly responsible for global warming.
While the future of eco-friendly cars is still hazy, concerted efforts have shown that it is not an entirely unachievable dream.
In particular, the advent of hybrid and electronic cars has shown that more and more individuals are embracing the concept of sustainable living and, as a result, are making decisions that will have a positive impact on the environment.
Powered by electricity
Hybrids run on two engines – a conventional internal combustion engine that runs on petrol and a high-voltage electric motor powered by batteries.
The electric motor activates the car to start and stop while the petrol engine powers the drive. Stepping on the pedal, however, shows off the hybrid’s power-split transmission where the petrol engine and electric motor work in unison for acceleration.
In Malaysia, hybrid cars are the most popular type of green vehicle. Popular models include the Toyota Prius C, Honda CR-Z and Honda Jazz Hybrid.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
An all-electric vehicle runs solely on a battery motor. A BEV derives all its power from its battery packs instead of an internal combustion engine.
The batteries are charged at charging stations. Most modern BEVs support fast charging – depending on the car model, it may be possible to recharge a car up to 80% within 30 minutes to three and a half hours.
A battery range of 60kWh allows you to travel up to 370km at 88kph, and an 85kWh range can afford nearly 480km at 88kph.
The 85kWh range consists of more than 70,000 battery cells and costs about RM42,000 to RM50,000 to replace.
In Malaysia, electric cars are not as popular as hybrids, most likely because there is still few infrastructure (such as charging stations) to support their use.
Why choose green cars?
l Lowers pollution – Less exhaust emissions mean that less greenhouse gases are emitted into the air.
Hybrid cars, for example, produce 23% less pollution.
l Similar features –The features of these cars remain the same as those of normal cars – with sufficient air-conditioning systems, radio and more.
l Safety aspects – A hybrid car is well equipped with car alarms and air bags, ensuring the protection of the driver as a normal car would.
l Saves on cost – While the price of a hybrid car is higher than a normal car, you will save more in terms of petrol and maintenance costs in the long run.