India is gradually catching up with global sustainability standards, aiming to turn carbon neutral and meet growing energy demands. Multiple contestants have appeared in recent years including biofuels and EVs (electric vehicles) for the title of sustainable transport in India 2024. Each inherits a set of unique benefits, drawbacks and limitations, but which is the best way forward?
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Biofuels
Biofuels are liquid fuels derived from organic renewable sources (starch, agricultural waste, molasses and algae). Suitable floral or faunal biomass is directly converted into biofuel.
Types of biofuels
The first generation of Biofuels involves two major types:
- Biodiesel: Biodiesel is a diesel alternative synthesised locally from palm oil and used cooking oil.
- Ethanol: Ethanol (C₂H₆O) is an organic fuel compound known for excellent combustion. It is currently produced primarily from sugarcane and corn in India(third largest producer).
Biodiesel helps minorly mitigate the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Where ethanol blending with petrol/diesel helps improve eFuel octane and reduction in imperfect combustion.
India has already achieved a 10% ethanol blend in petrol as of 2023 saving 30 million barrels of oil. Through the ethanol blending policy, the government aims for a 20% ethanol blend by 2025 to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
Advantages of Biofuels
Pros of ethanol blending (eFuels) and biodiesel are as follows:
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- Affordable Pricing: Biofuels are priced slightly lower than conventional fuels, improving fuel savings.
- Integration Ease: Biofuels can be easily integrated into the existing fuel infrastructure without much modifications.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Biofuels provide a 30-50% carbon emission reduction.
- Immediate Availability: Biofuels from major indigenous crops can be produced domestically without the need for major technological changes.
However, biofuels have their drawbacks. Large-scale production may result in land-use conflicts. Using water-intensive food crops can ultimately impact food security.
Electric Vehicles
EVs (eVehicles) refer to vehicles running on an electric motor, powered by an ion battery.
Must Read: Go Electric: A Complete Guide
Types of Electric Vehicles
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- Battery EVs: BEVs run explicitly through the electric motor without any ICE presence.
- Hybrid EVs: HEVs carry both an electric motor and an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine). Where the battery gets charged through ICE movement.
- Plug-in Hybrid EVs: PHEVs have a plug-in chargeable battery combined with ICE presence.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are in the limelight nowadays, all thanks to government-backed incentives like subsidies and tax breaks.
The Indian government has extensive plans for charging infrastructure development including installing 22,000 charging stations by 2024 end.
Advantages of electric cars:
Electric vehicles come with major benefits:
- EV Incentives in India : The Indian government offers incentives under schemes like FAME II(20-40% subsidy), including subsidies and tax exemptions.
- Cost Efficient: Electric vehicles run on electric charge, thus cutting fuel expenses by a huge margin.
- Zero Emissions: Null exhaust emission is a major pointer for carbon emissions reduction. Charging can be redeemed with solar or wind energy.
- Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts translate to less maintenance.
Despite these advantages, EVs face challenges related to infrastructure and cost. Despite government support, the initial purchase price of an Electric car is higher. Lower-tier cities might still fall behind in charging infrastructure. Charging time is a major drawback restricting connected travel.
Ultimate Comparison: Electric vs Biofuels
| Feature | Biofuel | Electric |
| Energy Source | Organic materials (ethanol, biodiesel) | Electricity
(charged from the grid) |
| Emissions | Lower carbon emission than fossil fuels | Zero exhaust emission |
| Refueling/Recharging Time | 3-5 minutes | 30 minutes to several hours(BEV) |
| Driving Range | Limitless(with refueling) | 300-500 km (average) |
| Vehicle Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Energy Efficiency | Lower fuel efficiency | Higher efficiency |
| Maintenance Cost | Higher maintenance cost | Lower maintenance costs |
| Operating Cost | ₹4-5 per km | ₹1.1 per km |
| Environmental Impact | Still produces green house gases | Battery production & disposal challenges |
| Infrastructure Availability | Can use existing fuel stations | Growing; Requires PAN country improvement |
A Balanced Plan: Hybrid Approach
Both biofuels and electric vehicles contribute to India’s sustainable transport strategy. India’s journey will be hybrid, carrying both biofuels and EVs as essential tools. A hybrid approach incorporating both biofuels and electric vehicles will assist India in leveraging the immediate availability of biofuels while gradually building the electric vehicle infrastructure.
This future plan can help India move closer to its goals of reducing carbon emissions and becoming a global leader in sustainable energy.