THE GREAT ENERGY DEBATE
VITAL NEWS investigates the “electrified” vehicle race and what it means for the aftermarket.
How cars are powered has been a topic of great interest in 2017. From
seemingly bold plans to ban diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040, to
vehicle manufacturers (VMs) introducing electrified versions of every
model in range by 2030 – this conversation is unlikely to evaporate
anytime soon.
THE CURRENT FIGURES
SMMT recorded a significant growth of new electric and alternatively-
fuelled car registrations in 2017. With year-to-date figures surpassing
those recorded in 2016*, the question is not whether “alternative fuels”
are heading towards mainstream applications, it is when.
can still derive supplementary fuel from petrol or diesel engines, many
electric car drivers have to be mindful of the availability and ease of
recharging.
Shell opened their first phase of electric vehicle charging points in
October 2017. Drivers can expect to recharge 80% of their battery in half
an hour. Whilst more service stations have been projected to be equipped
with rapid chargers, the reach is still extremely limited (see fig. 1).
Though it is a step in the right direction, recharging a car takes
significantly longer than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle.
(*with the exception of diesel-electric hybrids)
Electrified vehicle registrations
OCTOBER OCTOBER
%
YTD
2017
2016
CHANGE 2017
Pure electric
672
394
70.6
11,799
Other electric
2,764
1,882
46.9
27,040
Petrol-electric
4,742
3,618
31.1
62,646
Diesel-electric
64
127
-49.6
850
VEHICLE CATEGORY
Plug-in
Plug-in
Hybrid
Hybrid
YTD
%
2016 CHANGE
8,501
38.8
23,032
17.4
43,094
45.4
1,327
-35.9
(Source: SMMT October 2017 EV registrations)
Presently, VMs, the government and fuel providers are racing towards
building an infrastructure that supports the demand for electric and
hybrid powered cars. Although industrious, this feat comes with
limitations.
(Fig. 1) Shell service stations with rapid chargers for “electrified” vehicles.
DERBY
The reality is that hybrid and electric vehicles have created a burgeoning
market at its infancy. However, the infrastructure is due for a complete
overhaul and this takes time.
WHAT ABOUT THE 2040 BAN?
EU2021 is setting stricter CO2 emission targets, where limits are based
on the average level of pollution produced by a manufacturer’s entire
fleet. Coupled with the government’s announcement to ban vehicles
that are solely powered by diesel and petrol in 2040, it is only a natural
progression for VMs to accelerate the development of ‘electrified’
models.
It is also important to note that ‘electrified’ vehicles do not just refer to
those that are exclusively powered by electricity. They include hybrid
vehicles, providing the compromise between fossil fuel powered and
electric vehicles, until technology and infrastructure catches up.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE AFTERMARKET?
As more vehicle manufacturers steer towards a future of electrified
vehicles, the evolution of technology is impending, but not immediate.
ICKENHAM
WEST DRAYTON
FAIRFIELD
ADDLESTONE
STIRLING CORNER
HOLLOWAY
BLENDON
WHYTELEAFE
BURGH HEATH
Aftermarket part manufacturers have already invested significantly in
the R&D for electrified vehicle components. Independent garages are
continuously urged to upskill technicians. The opportunity to bring the
aftermarket up to speed with technology is present, but it is imperative
to maintain vigilance and upskill accordingly. Motor factors and
independent garages should take advantage of the opportunity to grow
with the emerging technology, whilst it is still at its infancy in efforts to
futureproof the businesses.
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
ELECTRIC VEHICLE FULL HYBRID
No internal
combustion engine Internal combustion Internal combustion Internal combustion
engine and electric engine and electric engine and electric
motor
motor
motor
30KM
30 MILES
(Source: Shell)
Large battery pack
size (20-80kWh)
HOW FAST?
Despite the surge of interest in “electrified” cars across the UK, there
are still gaps in the infrastructure to support it. To begin, there is the
question of distance covered over a single charge. Whilst hybrid cars
VITAL NEWS ISSUE 49
Tesla Model S
Nissan Leaf
Battery gets
charged by the
engine
Medium battery
pack size (6-12kWh)
Honda Civic Hybrid
Toyota Prius
PLUG-IN HYBRID
Battery can be
charged from an
external source
Mitsubishi
Outlander PHEV
BMW i8
MILD HYBRID
Engine switches
to motor in idle,
braking and
restarting quickly
Unable to be driven
on electric motor
Start-stop vehicles
FUTURE FUELS 17