Smart Task 02
1. Write down a detailed technical specification of any Electric Car in the market. Also,
define the terms in the technical specifications.
Solution: Let's consider the technical specifications of the Nissan Leaf, one of the popular
electric cars in the market:
● Battery and Range:
○ Battery Capacity: 40 kWh (kilowatt-hours)
○ Range: Up to 150 miles (EPA estimated range)
○ Definition:
■ Battery Capacity: It represents the amount of electrical energy the battery
can store, measured in kilowatt-hours. A higher capacity typically results
in a longer driving range.
■ Range: It indicates the distance the car can travel on a single charge. The
range can vary based on driving conditions, temperature, speed, and other
factors.
● Electric Motor:
○ Motor Type: AC Synchronous Electric Motor
○ Power Output: 147 horsepower (110 kW) and 236 lb-ft of torque
○ Definition:
■ AC Synchronous Electric Motor: It is a type of electric motor that uses
alternating current and a rotating magnetic field to generate torque and
propel the vehicle. The motor operates synchronously with the frequency
of the alternating current.
■ Power Output: It represents the maximum power that the electric motor
can deliver, measured in horsepower (hp). The torque indicates the
rotational force produced by the motor.
● Charging:
○ Charging Time:
■ Standard Charger (3.6 kW): Approximately 7.5 hours for a full charge
■ Level 2 Charger (6.6 kW): Approximately 4-5 hours for a full charge
■ DC Fast Charger (50 kW): Up to 80% charge in approximately 40-60
minutes
○ Definition:
■ Standard Charger: It refers to the onboard charger provided with the
vehicle, typically used with a Level 1 charging cable plugged into a
regular household outlet. The charging time is longer compared to faster
charging options.
■ Level 2 Charger: It represents a higher power charging station that
provides faster charging than the standard charger. Level 2 chargers
require installation and use a higher amperage circuit.
■ DC Fast Charger: It is a high-power charging station that uses direct
current to rapidly charge the vehicle. DC fast chargers are typically
available at public charging stations and can provide quick charging on
long journeys.
● Performance:
○ Acceleration (0-60 mph): Approximately 7.7 seconds
○ Top Speed: 89 mph
○ Definition:
■ Acceleration: It represents the time taken for the car to accelerate from 0
to 60 miles per hour (or 0 to 100 kilometers per hour). Smaller values
indicate faster acceleration.
■ Top Speed: It refers to the maximum speed that the car can achieve under
ideal conditions.
● Safety Features:
○ Intelligent Forward Collision Warning: Provides visual and audible warnings if
the car detects a potential frontal collision.
○ ProPILOT Assist: Offers driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control
and steering assists to maintain a set distance and stay centered in the lane.
○ Definition:
■ Intelligent Forward Collision Warning: It is a safety system that uses
sensors and cameras to monitor the road ahead and alerts the driver if a
potential collision is detected.
■ ProPILOT Assist: It represents Nissan's advanced driver-assistance
system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to
provide a semi-autonomous driving experience.
2. Write down the commercial analysis of Electric Cars, such as Price, Taxes, Availability,
Dealers, Auto loans etc.
Solution: Commercial Analysis of Electric Car (Nissan Leaf):
● Price:
○ Starting Price (MSRP): The starting price of the Nissan Leaf is around $31,600.
○ Price Range: The price can vary based on trim levels, optional features, and
regional variations.
● Taxes and Incentives:
○ Federal Tax Credit: Buyers of new electric vehicles, including the Nissan Leaf,
may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The actual amount depends
on the battery capacity and the buyer's tax liability.
○ State and Local Incentives: Various states and local governments offer additional
incentives such as rebates, tax credits, or exemptions to promote electric vehicle
adoption. These incentives can further reduce the purchase price.
● Availability:
○ Global Availability: The Nissan Leaf is available in many countries worldwide,
including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
○ Regional Availability: The availability of specific trims, features, and
configurations may vary based on regional markets and demand.
● Dealerships and Service Centers:
○ Dealership Network: Nissan has an extensive dealership network, making it
convenient for customers to find and purchase the Nissan Leaf.
○ Service and Maintenance: Nissan dealerships generally offer service and
maintenance for the Nissan Leaf, including battery-related services and software
updates specific to electric vehicles.
● Auto Loans and Financing:
○ Auto Loan Options: Buyers can explore various auto loan options from banks,
credit unions, and financial institutions. These loans can help individuals finance
their electric vehicle purchases.
○ Loan Terms and Interest Rates: Loan terms and interest rates may vary depending
on the buyer's credit score, down payment, and the lender's policies. It is
advisable to shop around and compare loan offers to get the most favorable terms.
● Charging Infrastructure:
○ Public Charging Stations: The availability and accessibility of public charging
stations play a crucial role in the commercial viability of electric cars. The growth
of public charging infrastructure enables easier charging during long trips or away
from home.
○ Home Charging: Electric car owners can install home charging stations, allowing
convenient and overnight charging. The cost of purchasing and installing a home
charging station may vary depending on the infrastructure requirements and
installation costs.
● Insurance:
○ Insurance Costs: Electric vehicles can have different insurance rates compared to
traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Factors such as the vehicle's
value, repair costs, and safety features may influence insurance premiums.
3. Make a techno-commercial comparison between Electric Cars and Diesel Cars of the
same features.
Solution: Techno-Commercial Comparison: Electric Car vs. Diesel Car
To perform a comprehensive techno-commercial comparison between an electric car and a diesel
car with the same features, let's consider the following example:
● Electric Car: Tesla Model 3 and Diesel Car: BMW 3 Series
● Technology and Performance:
○ Electric Car: The electric car utilizes an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
It offers instant torque delivery, smooth acceleration, and low maintenance
requirements. The Tesla Model 3 provides excellent acceleration and a quiet
driving experience.
○ Diesel Car: The diesel car employs an internal combustion engine that runs on
diesel fuel. It offers good fuel efficiency, a longer driving range, and a
well-established refueling infrastructure. The BMW 3 Series diesel variant
provides a balance of power, efficiency, and driving dynamics.
● Energy Efficiency and Fuel Costs:
○ Electric Car: Electric cars have higher energy efficiency compared to diesel cars.
They convert a higher percentage of stored energy into useful work. The cost of
electricity is typically lower than the cost of diesel fuel, resulting in lower fuel
expenses.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars have decent fuel efficiency but are generally less efficient
than electric cars. The cost of diesel fuel may be higher than electricity, leading to
relatively higher fuel expenses.
● Environmental Impact:
○ Electric Car: Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, resulting in lower
greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. They contribute to reducing
the overall carbon footprint, especially when charged with renewable energy
sources.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
particulate matter (PM). They have a more significant impact on air pollution and
contribute to carbon emissions, negatively affecting the environment.
● Maintenance and Longevity:
○ Electric Car: Electric cars have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced
maintenance requirements. They don't require oil changes, have longer brake life
due to regenerative braking, and have fewer components that can fail over time.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars have more complex engines and require regular
maintenance, including oil and filter changes. They may require more frequent
repairs and component replacements, impacting maintenance costs and longevity.
● Resale Value and Depreciation:
○ Electric Car: Electric cars may experience higher depreciation rates due to rapid
technological advancements and concerns about battery longevity. However, with
increasing demand for electric vehicles, improved battery technology, and
longer-lasting batteries, the resale value of electric cars is expected to improve
over time.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars may have better resale value compared to electric cars in
the current market. However, the resale value can be influenced by factors such as
mileage, maintenance history, market demand, and future regulations.
● Government Incentives and Regulations:
○ Electric Car: Governments often provide incentives, subsidies, and tax credits to
promote the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives can help reduce the
upfront cost of purchasing an electric car.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars may be subject to stricter emission regulations and
potential future bans in certain regions due to environmental concerns. This can
affect their long-term viability and resale value.
● Charging Infrastructure and Refueling Network:
○ Electric Car: Electric cars rely on an expanding network of charging stations for
recharging. The availability and convenience of charging stations can vary by
location. Home charging options are also available.
○ Diesel Car: Diesel cars benefit from a well-established refueling infrastructure
with numerous diesel fueling stations widely available. Refueling is generally
faster than recharging an electric car, but it requires more frequent stops.
