What engine under the hood?
First, there were the pioneers. Then the techies. Today, the electric vehicle seeks to seduce the masses. Many consumers weigh the pros and cons of the different options (which energy source to choose?) available to them. A real torture for a hesitant buyer.
Before reviewing the choices offered, let us recall the intention of the governmental authorities. These decreed a ban on buying (or leasing) a new vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine from 1er January 2035. If Quebec has already announced “the beginning of the end of gasoline-powered vehicles”, many motorists are wondering: what engine should we place under the hood today? Should we immediately make the jump to electric? Take a shortcut with a hybrid engine? Or, as long as there is a drop, rely on gasoline?
Ready, not ready?
An electric vehicle does not emit CO2 in its path and practically no particles. However, its production and that of its batteries mobilize much more energy and raw materials than a conventional model. It is also necessary to take into consideration the source used to produce the electricity. In Quebec, the environmental balance of an electric car is better than a thermal one after some 30,000 km traveled. In addition, several electric vehicles sold here are eligible for government grants of up to $12,000. If the purchase price is higher, the cost of use is lower. Finally, trips of several hundred kilometers no longer necessarily constitute a leap into the unknown, as long as you plan a little. On this subject, don’t worry, applications are available to help you find charging stations on your route.
Opting for a 100% electric vehicle is a priori common sense for many motorists. However, the reasons for moving away from it are just as numerous. Its range remains, in most cases, less than that of thermal models. And when it progresses (using a larger battery), it comes at the cost of longer downtime.
The charging network is expanding in Quebec, but this is still far from being the case everywhere. And there is winter. The cold can drain up to 50% of the autonomy.
Therefore, in an ideal world, it would be better to have your “service station” at home or near your workplace to refuel it.
The (good) compromise?
To comply with increasingly stringent standards, several manufacturers are using micro-hybridization of gasoline engines. This technology makes it possible to negligibly reduce consumption. On the other hand, a classic hybrid like a Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid consumes on average nearly 2 L/100 km less than its gasoline equivalent. A gain that is more evident on city streets than on expressways where the electrical power unit is less stressed.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid consumes nearly 2 L/100 km less than its gasoline equivalent.
To gradually familiarize themselves with the electric shift (connection, autonomy, eco-driving), some consumers appreciate the rechargeable hybrid. This combines the advantages of the electric car and the gasoline car. The best of both worlds, for many motorists.
The status quo
The internal combustion engine needs no introduction. It refuels easily and quickly. Its performance has improved considerably in recent years, but its dependence on oil puts it, at maturity, out of action. Not everyone is convinced.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PORSCHE
In motorsport, several disciplines are already adopting synthetic fuels.
A few weeks ago, Germany opposed a European Union law aimed at banning sales of gasoline-powered cars. It requires that internal combustion engines be authorized after this date, provided that they run on synthetic fuels. What will Quebec do?
