Climate change is a growing concern due to greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these emissions come from internal combustion cars. Electric cars are becoming more and more popular, helping to reduce the carbon footprint on the environment.
Are electric cars an option for South Africa? Considering Eskom’s power grid being under so much pressure, would it even be a possibility for South Africa in the near future?
Let’s have a look at the new fully electric cars that are debuting in South Africa and whether we will benefit from these vehicles.
What Are The Benefits Of Electric Cars?
- Electric cars are more affordable to run. To charge an electric car, costs a third per kilometre than buying petrol for the same car. 1
- They are more affordable to maintain. They have a lot fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel vehicle. There is very little to service on an electric vehicle. The batteries will need to be replaced, but most manufacturers cover them under warranty for approximately 8 years. 1
- They are way better for the environment. Electric vehicles have zero exhaust emissions and most of them have been built using eco-friendly materials. For example, the Nissan Leaf’s bodywork and the interior has been made partly out of green materials, such as recycled water bottles, plastic bags, old car parts and even 2ndhand home appliances. 1
- They have general health benefits. Due to the decrease in fuel emissions, because of the use of electric cars. This will improve our quality of life and help reduce noise pollution from internal combustion engines. 1
How Are Electric Motors Different From Internal Combustions Engines?
Internal Combustion Engines
When small amounts of fuel are mixed with air, they explode to drive the pistons of the engine, which in turn drive the crankshaft, which is connected to the car’s gearbox and so drives the wheels of the car. 3
There are hundreds of moving parts in an internal combustion engine. These parts help the engine rev up in order for it to reach full efficiency. The gearbox also tries to run the engine at full efficiency at different speeds. Internal combustion engines are energy inefficient due to a large amount of energy that is being lost, especially through friction. 3
Electric Motors
Electric Motors are very simple. A central motor is connected to a single gear. The rotor turns by a surrounding magnetic field which is generated by electricity from the batteries. 3
Electric motors have regenerative braking, a method of braking in which energy is extracted from the parts braked, to be stored and reused.
The electric motor can operate in reverse. This acts as a generator, which charges batteries while slowing down. 3
They have minimal moving parts which makes them very reliable. They require little to no maintenance. With hardly any friction between moving parts resulting in them be more efficient. 3
Electric Cars Debuting 2019 And Possibly 2020.
- Jaguar I-Pace – 20195
- Nissan Leaf e+ – 20195
- Mercedes – Benz EQC – 20195
- Audi e – Tron – 20195
- BMW iX3 – Going into production in 20205
- VW ID – Will be presented end 2019 and launched 20205
- Tesla Model 3 – 2020
- NeuWai vehicles, motorcycle and trucks – 20204
Are Electric Cars A Viable Option For South Africa?
Eskom implements load shedding due to the power grid being under so much pressure. Recently, Eskom has been continually increasing its electricity prices. One has to ask if electric cars are even a real possibility? With the growth rate in South Africa’s economy, how would the average person be able to afford one of these electric vehicles on a day-to-day basis, when average salary increases don’t even match inflation.2
An average home in South Africa uses about 3000 watts of energy per day, whereas some electric vehicles use 16,800 watts off a fast charger. This would significantly impact the average person’s budget and put an added stress on the Eskom power grid. 2
Another factor is that Eskom uses coal to generate most of its power, which is not an environmentally-friendly source of power. Even if electric cars were to be used in South Africa, it would have little impact on the country’s carbon footprint. 2
One can only hope that South Africa will be able to keep up and implement the change that is needed to move forward with electric vehicles. 2
Buying an electric car may be seen as a forward-thinking approach to motoring. Why not try innovative car insurance as well?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040.The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1https://www.ergon.com.au/network/smarter-energy/electric-vehicles/benefits-of-electric-vehicles
5https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-new-electric-cars-destined-for-sa/45557/