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Electric Vs Petrol Cars PHD Paper

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5 views8 pages

Electric Vs Petrol Cars PHD Paper

Uploaded by

CSC Bhiwani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electric Cars vs Petrol Cars: A Comparative Analysis

of Sustainability, Performance, and Lifecycle


Economics

A Doctoral Research Paper

Author: [Your Name]


Institution: [Your Institution]
Date: June 28, 2025
Executive Summary
This research paper critically examines the distinctions between electric vehicles (EVs) and petrol-
powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles across performance, environmental impact,
operational efficiency, and lifecycle costs. The study synthesises academic, industrial, and policy
literature to evaluate the sustainability claims surrounding EVs, while also contextualising market
adoption trends. Findings reveal that while EVs offer significant emissions reductions and lower
maintenance costs, their benefits are conditional upon the energy mix, battery manufacturing
practices, and charging infrastructure. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for
facilitating equitable and sustainable electrification.
1. Technological Overview
Petrol cars utilise spark-ignition engines powered by gasoline, with energy conversion efficiency
averaging 20–25%. In contrast, EVs use electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries (typically
lithium-ion), achieving efficiencies over 85%. Petrol cars offer longer refueling range but generate
higher emissions. EVs provide instant torque and smoother drivetrains, but are constrained by
battery capacity and charging times. Technological evolution in solid-state batteries and fast-
charging networks aims to bridge this gap.
2. Environmental Impact
ICE vehicles emit CO■, NOx, and PM■.■ particles, contributing significantly to urban air pollution
and global warming. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, but their lifecycle footprint includes
upstream emissions from battery mining and power generation. Lifecycle assessments indicate that
EVs
outperform ICE vehicles in total emissions over 150,000 km, provided electricity is at least 30%
renewable. Battery recycling and second-life applications are key to minimising ecological damage.
3. Performance and User Experience
EVs offer superior acceleration, reduced noise, and fewer mechanical failures due to fewer moving
parts. However, extreme temperatures can degrade battery performance. ICE vehicles retain an
advantage in high-speed endurance and refueling time. Vehicle autonomy, enhanced by AI systems, is
more readily integrated into EV platforms due to better software–hardware synergy.
4. Economic Considerations and Lifecycle Costs
EVs have higher upfront costs but lower running costs, maintenance, and taxes. Battery prices have
dropped 89% since 2010, but supply-chain disruptions and critical mineral scarcity (e.g., lithium,
cobalt) remain concerns. ICE vehicles are cheaper initially but incur higher long-term fuel and
servicing expenses. Total cost of ownership (TCO) parity between EVs and ICE vehicles has been
reached in some European markets but varies by geography, subsidies, and usage patterns.
5. Policy, Regulation, and Infrastructure
Subsidies, tax credits, and emission standards have accelerated EV adoption. Leading nations (e.g.,
Norway, China) combine incentives with ICE bans. However, charging infrastructure gaps persist,
particularly in rural and low-income areas. Smart-grid integration, vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
technologies, and urban planning reforms are essential for scaling EV adoption equitably and
sustainably.
6. Conclusion
Electric vehicles represent a paradigm shift in personal mobility, offering substantial
environmental and technological benefits. Yet, their adoption must be evaluated through a systemic
lens encompassing energy grids, material flows, and socioeconomic factors. Petrol cars remain more
accessible in emerging markets due to infrastructure and cost barriers. Long-term decarbonisation
will require coordinated efforts in technology, policy, and public awareness.

References
IEA. (2024). Global EV Outlook 2024. International Energy Agency.
Hawkins, T.R. et al. (2013). Comparative environmental life cycle assessment of conventional and
electric vehicles. *Journal of Industrial Ecology*, 17(1), 53–64.
US Department of Energy. (2023). Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Vehicle Comparisons.
Nykvist, B. & Nilsson, M. (2015). Rapidly falling costs of battery packs for electric vehicles. *Nature
Climate Change*, 5, 329–332.
Breetz, H.L. et al. (2018). The political logics of clean energy transitions. *Policy Studies Journal*,
46(2), 282–304.
BloombergNEF. (2024). Electric Vehicle Outlook 2024.
World Resources Institute. (2023). Policies for Inclusive EV Deployment in the Global South.
Sovacool, B.K. et al. (2021). The decarbonisation divide: Contextualizing landscapes of low-carbon
exploitation and resistance. *Global Environmental Change*, 71, 102386.

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