Atria Institute of Technology

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Module-3
Introduction to IC Engines: Classification, Components and working
principles, 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Petrol and Diesel engines, Application of
IC Engines, performance of IC engines (Simple numerical).

Introduction to Electric Vehicles; introduction and evolution of EV,

classification of electric vehicles, Components of Electric and Hybrid
Vehicles. Difference between electric vehicle and IC engine Vehicles.

Introduction to IC Engines:
I. C. Engine: An Internal combustion engine more probably called as IC Engine, is a heat
engine which converts heat energy released by the combustion of fuel taking place inside the
engine cylinder into mechanical work. It has advantages such as high efficiency, light weight,
compactness, easy starting, adaptability, suitability for mobile applications, comparatively
lower initial cost has made its use as a prime mover.
Classification of IC Engines:
i. Nature of Thermodynamic cycle as:
1. Otto Cycle engine.
2. Diesel engine.
3.Dual combustion cycle engine.
ii. Type of Fuel used as:
1. Petrol Engine
2. Diesel engine.
3. Gas engine.
4. Bio-fuel engine.
iii. Number of strokes as:
1. Four stroke engine.
2. Two stroke engine.
iv. Method of ignition as:
1. Spark ignition engine, known as S.I engine.
2. Compression ignition engine, known as C.I. Engine.
v. Number of cylinders as:

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1. Single cylinder engine.

2. Multi cylinder engine.
vi. Position of Cylinder as:
1. Horizontal engine.
2. Vertical engine.
3. V- engine.
4. Opposed cylinder engine.
5. Radial engine.
vii. Method of cooling as:
1. Air cooled engine.
2. Water cooled engine.

Parts of IC Engines:

1. Cylinder: The heart of the engine is the cylinder in which the fuel is burnt and the power is
developed. The inside diameter is called bore. To prevent the wearing of cylinder block, a
sleeve will be fitted tightly in the cylinder. The piston reciprocates inside the cylinder.
2. Piston: The piston is a close fitting hollow cylindrical plunger moving to-and-fro in the
cylinder. The power developed by the combustion of the fuel is transmitted by the piston to
the crankshaft through the connecting rod.

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3. Piston rings: The piston rings are the metallic rings inserted into the circumferential
grooves provided at the top end of the piston. These rings maintain a gas-tight joint between
the piston and the cylinder while the piston is reciprocating in the cylinder. They also help in
conducting the heat from the piston to the cylinder.
4. Connecting rod: It is a link that connects the piston and the crankshaft by means of pin
joints. It converts the rectilinear motion of the piston into rotary motion of the crankshaft.
5. Crank and crankshaft: The crank is lever that is connected to the end of the connecting rod
by a pin joint with its other end rigidly connected to a shaft called crankshaft. It rotates about
the axis of the crankshaft and causes the connecting rod to oscillate.
6. Crank case: It is the lower part of the engine serving as an enclosure for the crankshaft and
also sump for the lubricating oil.
7. Valves: The valves are the devices which controls the flow of the intake and the exhaust
gas to and from the cylinder. They are also called poppet valves. These valves are operated
by means of cams driven by crankshaft through a timing gear and chain.
8. Fly wheel: It is a heavy wheel mounted on the crankshaft of the engine to maintain uniform
rotation of the crankshaft.
I.C. Engine Terminology:

1. Stroke: It is the distance travelled by the piston from the cover end to the crank end or from
crank end to the cover end. It is denoted by L.
2. Bore: It is the diameter of the cylinder or outer diameter of the piston. It is denoted by D.
3. Top dead centre (TDC) or cover end: It is the extreme position of the piston, when the
piston is near cylinder head.
4. Bottom dead centre (BDC) or crank end: It is the extreme position of the piston, when the
piston is near the crankshaft end.

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5. Swept volume (Vs): It is the volume covered by the piston when the piston moves from
TDC to BDC. It is denoted by Vs and is given by,

6. Clearance volume (Vc): It is the volume occupied by the charge at the end of compression
stroke when the piston is at TDC.
7. Compression ratio (C.R): It is the ratio of total volume of the cylinder to the clearance
volume. i.e., CR or r = Total volume/clearance volume.
8. Piston speed: The total linear distance travelled by the piston per unit time is called piston
speed. It is expressed in m/min and is given by,
Piston speed = 2LN m/min
L = length of stroke in m
N = speed of the engine in rpm.

Two - Stroke Engine:

A 2 stroke engine performs only TWO strokes to complete one cycle. Crankshaft makes only
one revolution to complete the cycle. The power is developed in every revolution of the
crankshaft. Based on the type of fuel used they are classified as 2-Stroke Petrol engine and 2
Stroke Diesel Engine.

Two-Stroke Petrol Engine:

Inlet port – admits fresh air-fuel mixture (charge) into the crankcase. Transfer port – transfers
the charge from the crankcase into the cylinder. Exhaust port – discharges the burnt gases
from the cylinder.
These ports are opened and closed by the reciprocating piston. The connecting rod and the
crank convert the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotary motion of the crankshaft.

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FIRST STROKE:
• Piston moves from TDC to BDC. The spark plug ignites the compressed petrol and
air mixture (charge). The hot gases are released during combustion increasing the
pressure in the cylinder which forces the piston downwards. The piston moves
downwards performing the power stroke until the top of the piston uncovers the
exhaust port. The burnt gases escape through the exhaust port. As the piston descends
it covers the inlet port and uncovers the transfer port and charge flows from crankcase
into the cylinder.
• This charge entering the cylinder drives out the remaining burnt gases through the
exhaust port and the process is called scavenging. This process continues till the
piston covers both exhaust & transfer port during the next ascending stroke. The
crankshaft rotates by half rotation.

SECOND STROKE:
• Piston moves from BDC to TDC. As the piston ascends, it covers the transfer port
and the supply of charge to the cylinder is cut-off. Further upward movement
covers exhaust port and compression of the charge begins. In the mean time, inlet
port opens and fresh charge enters the crankcase. Further ascend of piston will
compress the charge in the cylinder. The compression ratio ranges from 7:1 to 11:1.
After piston reaches TDC first stroke repeats again. The crank rotates by half
rotation.
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2-STROKE DIESEL ENGINE:

• Inlet port – admits fresh air into the crankcase.
• Transfer port – transfers the air from the crankcase into the cylinder.
• Exhaust port – discharges the burnt gases from the cylinder.

These ports are opened and closed by the reciprocating piston. The connecting rod
and the crank convert the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotary motion
of the crankshaft.

FIRST STROKE:
• Piston moves from cover TDC to BDC. The injector injects a metered quantity of
the diesel oil into the cylinder as a fine spray. The high temperature of compressed air
ignites the injected diesel oil. The hot gases are released during combustion increasing
the pressure in the cylinder which forces the piston downwards. The piston moves
downwards performing the power stroke until the top of the piston uncovers the exhaust
port. The burnt gases escape through the exhaust port.
• As the piston descends it covers the inlet port and uncovers the transfer port and air
flows from crankcase into the cylinder. This air entering the cylinder drives out the
remaining burnt gases through the exhaust port and the process is called scavenging.

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This process is continued till the piston covers both exhaust & transfer port during the
next ascending stroke. The crankshaft rotates by half rotation.
SECOND STROKE:
• Piston moves from BDC to cover end TDC. As the piston ascends, it covers the
transfer port and the supply of air is cut-off. Further upward movement covers exhaust
port and compression of the air begins. In the mean time, inlet port opens and fresh air
enters the crankcase. Further ascend of piston will compress the petrol and air mixture
in the cylinder. The compression ratio ranges from 20:1 to 22:1. After piston reaches
cover end first stroke repeats again. The crank rotates by half rotation.

4-STROKE PETROL ENGINE: (S. I. ENGINE):

Petrol engines works on the principle of theoretical Otto cycle, also known as constant
volume cycle. It consists of cylinder, piston, connecting rod, crank, crankshaft, inlet valve,
exhaust valve and spark plug. The spark plug fitted at the top of the cylinder initiates the
ignition of the petrol, hence the name spark ignition engine.

1. SUCTION STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves
from TDC to BDC. The inlet valve is open and exhaust
valve is closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation.
As the piston moves downwards, suction is created in the
cylinder, as a result, fresh air-petrol mixture is drawn into
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the cylinder through the inlet valve. At the end of this stroke, the piston is in BDC, the
cylinder is filled with air-petrol mixture and inlet valve closes. Horizontal line AB on
the P-V diagram.
2. COMPRESSION STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from BDC to TDC. Both the inlet valve and
exhaust valves are closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. As the piston
moves upwards, the fuel mixture in the cylinder will be compressed. The ratio of
compression ratio in petrol engines ranges from 7:1 to 11:1, represented by the BC
curve in the P-V diagram. When the piston reaches TDC, the spark plug ignites the
fuel mixture. Since the spark plug ignites the fuel (air-petrol), this type of engine is
also called as spark ignition or S.I Engine. The combustion of fuel takes place
increasing the pressure at constant volume, represented by the line CD in the P-V
diagram.
3. WORKING OR POWER STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from TDC to BDC. Both the inlet valve and
exhaust valves are closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. The high pressure
of the burnt gases forces the piston downwards performing power stroke. The linear
motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft by connecting rod
and crank. It is represented by curve on DE on PV diagram. At the end of the stroke,
the piston is in BDC, the exhaust valve opens which release the burnt gases to the
atmosphere. This will bring pressure in the cylinder to atmospheric at constant
volume, represented by the line EB in the P-V diagram.
4. EXHAUST STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from BDC to TDC. The inlet valve is closed and
exhaust valve is open. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. As the piston moves
towards the TDC, the burnt gases will be expelled out through the exhaust valve. Line
BA on the P-V diagram. When the piston reaches the TDC, the exhaust valve closes
and this completes the cycle.

4 STROKE DIESEL ENGINE: (C. I. ENGINE):

Diesel engines works on the principle of theoretical Diesel cycle, also known as constant
pressure cycle. It consists of cylinder, piston, connecting rod, crank, crankshaft, inlet valve,
and exhaust valve and fuel injector. The fuel injector fitted at the top of the cylinder supplies
the measured quantity of diesel at high pressure.
1. SUCTION STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from TDC to BDC. The inlet valve is open and
exhaust valve is closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. As the piston moves

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Downwards, suction is created in the cylinder; as a result, fresh air is drawn into the
cylinder through the inlet valve. At the end of this stroke, the piston is in BDC, the
cylinder is filled with air and inlet valve closes. Horizontal line AB on the P-V
diagram.

2. COMPRESSION STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves
from BDC to TDC. Both the inlet valve and exhaustvalves
are closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. As the
piston moves upwards, the air in the cylinder will be
compressed. The ratio of compression ratio indiesel
engines ranges from 16:1 to 22:1, represented the BC
curve in the P-V diagram.As the air gets compressed its
pressure and temperature increases and attains a
temperature greater than the ignition temperature of diesel.
Diesel is sprayed into the cylinder through the fuel
injector. The high temperature of the air ignites the diesel as soon as it is sprayed and
undergoes combustion at constant pressure. Line CD on the PV diagram. Since the
compressed air ignites the diesel, this type of engine is also called as compression
ignition or C.I Engine.
3. WORKING OR POWER STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from TDC to BDC. Both the inlet valve and
exhaust valves are closed. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. The high pressure
of the burnt gases forces the piston downwards performing power stroke. The linear
motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the crankshaft by connecting rod
and crank. It is represented by curve DE on PV diagram. At the end of the stroke, the
piston is in BDC, the exhaust valve opens which release the burnt gases to the

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atmosphere. This will bring pressure in the cylinder to atmospheric at constant

volume, represented by the line EB in the P-V diagram.
4. EXHAUST STROKE:
• During this stroke the piston moves from BDC to TDC. The inlet valve is closed and
exhaust valve is open. The crankshaft rotates by half a rotation. As the piston moves
towards the TDC, the burnt gases will be expelled out through the exhaust valve. Line
BA on the P-V diagram. When the piston reaches the TDC, the exhaust valve close
and
this completes the cycle. In 4 stroke engine, the 4 strokes constitute one cycle, hence
the name 4 stroke cycle engine. The crankshaft makes two revolutions to complete
one cycle. The power is developed in every alternate revolution of the crankshaft. 4
Stroke diesel engines produce higher power than 4 Stroke petrol engines.

Differences between petrol engine and diesel engine

SL Petrol Engine Diesel Engine

No
1. Works on the Otto cycle work on the Diesel cycle
2. Air and the fuel are mixed in a carburetor The fuel is mixed with air inside the
cylinder
3. Fuel is ignited with an electric spark Ignition is achieved with the help of
the hot, compressed air.
4. Relatively low compression ratio High compression ratio
5. Relatively low amounts of power are produced High power production
in a Petrol engine
6. Highly volatile fuels are used in these internal These engines work with fuels that
combustion engines have low volatilities
7. High fuel consumption. Relatively low fuel consumption
8. Used in light vehicles such as motorcycles and Generally used in heavy vehicles
cars. such as trucks and buses
9. Comparatively low initial cost and High initial and maintenance costs
maintenance cost
10. It is called as S.I engine It is called as C.I engine
11. Petrol Engine work on the Diesel cycle
12. Works on the Otto cycle The fuel is mixed with air inside the
cylinder

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Applications of IC engine

1. Automobile: IC engines are most commonly used to power different vehicles, such
as motorcycles, buses, trucks, and cars.
2. Recreational: Internal combustion engines are used to run jet skis, snowmobiles,
and other recreational vehicles.
3. Marine: These types of engines are used to power submarines, ships, and boats.
4. Industrial: IC engines are used to run compressors, pumps, and other machinery in
industries.
5. Agriculture: IC engines are used to power combines, tractors, and other farming
machinery.
6. Power generation: Internal combustion engines are most commonly used in
generators to generate electrical power.
7. Construction: They are used to run various excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy
machines.
8. Lawn and garden: These engines power chainsaws, lawnmowers, and other
gardening equipment.
9. Aircraft: Internal combustion engines are used to run smaller airplanes, drones, and
helicopters.
10. Small vehicles: They power dirt bikes, motorized scooters, and other small
vehicles.

Performance parameters of IC engines:

i) Mean effective pressure (pm):
It is defined as the average pressure is acting on the piston during the entire
expansion (power stroke) stroke.
Pm = Mean effective pressure N / m2

ii) Indicated power (IP):

The power developed within the piston –cylinder arrangement by the combustion of fuel is
known as the indicated power.

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Pm L A n N K
IP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ KW
60 x 1000

Where,
Pm = mean effective pressure,

L = stroke length,
A = area of cross-section of the piston,
n = number of cycles per minute,
= N/2 for a four stroke engine,
= N for a two stroke engine.

N = crank shaft speed, rpm.

K = No of Cylinders

iii) Brake power (BP):

The power available at the crank shaft is always less than the power developed within the
piston-cylinder arrangement because of frictional losses in the moving parts. The power
actually available at the crank shaft is called the brake power.
Brake power is given by,
2πNT
BP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ KW
60 x 1000

The torque on the brake drum is given by,

T = (W - S) x R
Where, W = weight on the rope, N.
S = spring balance reading, N.
R = mean radius of brake drum, m.

iv) Frictional Power (FP):

The difference between indicated power and brake power is known as
frictional power FP = IP – BP kW
v) Mechanical efficiency:
It is defined as the ratio of brake power to indicated power
ηmech = Brake power
Indicated power
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vi) Thermal efficiency:

In IC engines, energy is supplied to the engine by burning fuel. But all of
the energy that is supplied is not converted into useful mechanical work. Some of
the energy supplied is lost through hot exhaust gases, some due to the cooling of
the engine and some through radiation and convection heat losses. The fraction of
the energy supplied that is available as useful work determines the thermal
efficiency of the engine. The thermal efficiency can be calculated either for the
indicated power, or for the brake power. Accordingly they are referred to as
indicated thermal efficiency, and brake thermal efficiency.

vii) Specific fuel consumption (SFC):

It is the mass of fuel supplied per hour in order to get unit power output.

mf
SFC = ⎯⎯⎯ kg/kW-hr
Power

SFC can be calculated on indicated power basis or on brake power basis.

Numericals.
1. A single cylinder two stroke cycle I.C engine has a piston diameter of 105mm &

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stroke length 120mm. The mean effective pressure is 6bar .If the crankshaft
speed is 1500rpm, calculate the indicated power of the engine.
Given data.
D = 105mm=0.105m
L =120mm=0.12m
Pm = 6 bar = 6x105 N/m2
N = 1500 rpm
n=1
K=1

Pm L A n N K
IP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ K W
60 x 1000

6x105 x0.12x π x.1052x1x1500x1

IP =
60 x 1000x4

IP = 155.86 KW

2. A two stroke Diesel engine has a piston diameter of 200mm & a stroke of 300mm .It
has mean pressure of 2.8 bar & a speed of 400rpm. The diameter of the brake drum is
1m & the effective brake load is 64kg. Find the indicated power, the brake power, the
Mechanical efficiency of the engine

Given data.
D = 200mm=0.2m
L =300mm=0.3m
Pm = 2.8 bar = 2.8x105 N/m2
N = 400 rpm
n=1
K=1
d = 1m
(W-S) = 64kg=64x9.81N

Pm L A n N K
IP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ K W
60 x 1000
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2.8x105 x0.3xπx0.22x1x400x1
IP =
60 x 1000x4

IP = 17.59 KW
2πNT
BP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ KW
60 x 1000

The torque on the brake drum is given by,

T = (W - S) x R
T = 64x9.81x0.5
T = 313.92 Nm

2 π x 400x313.92
BP = ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
60 x 1000

BP = 13.149 KW

ηmech = Brake power x100

Indicated power

ηmech = 13.149 x100

17.59
ηmech = 74.75%

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INSIGHT INTO FUTURE MOBILITY TECHNOLOGY; ELECTRIC AND HYBRID

VEHICLES:
The history of electric cars can be broken up into six distinct periods:
1830-1880: The early pioneers of electric mobility
1880-1914: The transition to motorized transport
1914-1970: The rise of the internal combustion engine
1970-2003: The return of electric vehicles
2003-2020: The electric revolution
2021-Present day: The tipping point and beyond
The world’s first electric vehicles (EVs) predate gasoline-powered cars, with experimental
prototypes emerging in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the UK around the 1830s. The first
practical EV is often considered to be American inventor William Morrison’s vehicle from
around 1890.
Modern EVs emerged in the late 20th century in response to the 1973 Oil Crisis and growing
climate concerns. Starting with the Toyota Prius in 1997, the 2000s marked the re-emergence
and development of hybrid vehicles, building to the launch of the first mass-market EV in
2010 with the Nissan Leaf.
Since then, the electric car markets have seen exponential growth as sales exceeded 10
million in 2022 and electric cars now represent one in seven vehicles sold globally. As the
world seeks to transition to a sustainable future and governments around the world ban the
sale of internal combustion vehicles, the future looks bright for electric mobility.

Electric Vehicle (EV):

An electric vehicle (EV) is one that operates on an electric motor, instead of an internal
combustion engine that generates power by burning a mix of fuel and gases. Electric Vehicles
(EV’s) include, road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft and
electric spacecraft. Though the concept of electric vehicles has been around for a long time, it
has drawn a considerable amount of interest in the past decade amid a rising carbon footprint
and other environmental impacts of fuel-based vehicles. An electric vehicle may be powered
through a collector system by electricity from off-vehicle sources, or may be self-contained
with a battery, solar panels, fuel cells or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity.

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HYBRID VEHICLES:
What is a hybrid? A hybrid vehicle combines any two power (energy) sources. Possible
combinations include diesel/electric, gasoline/fly wheel, and fuel cell (FC)/battery. Typically,
one energy source is storage, and the other is conversion of a fuel to energy. The combination
of two power sources may support two separate propulsion systems. Thus to be a True
hybrid, the vehicle must have at least two modes of propulsion. For example, a truck that uses
a diesel to drive a generator, which in turn drives several electrical motors for all-wheel drive,
is not a hybrid. But if the truck has electrical energy storage to provide a second mode, which
is electrical assists, then it is a hybrid Vehicle. These two power sources may be paired in
series, meaning that the gas engine charges the batteries of an electric motor that powers the
car, or in parallel, with both mechanisms driving the car directly.
COMPONENTS OF ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES:

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ADVANTAGES OF AN ELECTRIC CAR:

1. No Gas Required
Electric cars are entirely charged by the electricity you provide, meaning you don’t need to
buy any gas ever again.
2. More Convenient
The electric vehicle is easy to recharge, and the best part is you will no longer need to run to
the fuel station to recharge your car before hitting the road! Even a normal household socket
could be used for charging an electric car.
3. Savings
These cars can be fuelled for very low prices, and many new cars will offer great incentives
for you to get money back from the government for going green. Electric cars can also be a
great way to save money in your own life.
4. No Emissions
The biggest advantage of an electric vehicle is its green credential. Electric cars are 100
percent eco-friendly as they run on electrically powered engines. It does not emit toxic gases
or smoke in the environment as it runs on a clean energy source. They are even better than
hybrid cars as hybrids running on gas produce emissions. You’ll be contributing to a healthy
and green climate.
5. Popularity
EV’s are growing in popularity. It is nearly three times as efficient as cars with an internal
combustion engine, according to Wikipedia. With popularity comes all new types of cars

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being put on the market that are unique, providing you with a wealth of choices moving
forward.
6. Safe to Drive
Electric cars undergo the same fitness and testing procedures test as other fuel-powered cars.
An electric car is safer to use, given their lower center of gravity, which makes them much
more stable on the road in case of a collision.
7. Cost-Effective
Earlier, owning an electric car would cost a bomb. But with more technological
advancements, both cost and maintenance have gone down.
8. Low Maintenance
Electric cars run on electrically powered engines, and hence there is no need to lubricate the
engines, anything related to the combustion engine or a ton of maintenance tasks that are
usually associated with a gas engine.
9. Reduced Noise Pollution
Electric cars put a curb on noise pollution as they are much quieter. Electric motors are
capable of providing smooth drive with higher acceleration over longer distances. Many
owners of electric cars have reported positive savings of up to tens of thousands of dollars a
year.
10. Battery Life & Cost
Batteries are an integral part of an electric vehicle. Most electric vehicle batteries are lithium
ones, and their costs are improving every year.
11. Easy Driving
In the world of automobiles, electric cars have the simplest driving method. Commercial
electric cars come with a transmission comprising of only one really long gear and also don’t
suffer from the stalling problem as petrol cars do.

DISADVANTAGES OF AN ELECTRIC CAR

1. Recharge Points
Electric fuelling stations are still in the development stages. Not a lot of places you go to on a
daily basis will have electric fuelling stations for your vehicle, meaning that if you’re on a
long trip or decide to visit family in a rural or suburban area and run out of charge, it may be
harder to find a charging station. You may be stuck where you are.
2. The Initial Investment is Steep

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As EVs are very new, you may be surprised when you take a look at the sticker price for
EVs. Even the more affordable brands can be around $30,000 to $40,000.
3. Electricity isn’t Free
Electric cars can also be a hassle on your energy bill if you’re not considering the options
carefully. If you haven’t done your research into the electric car you want to purchase, then
you may be making an unwise investment.
4. Short Driving Range and Speed
Electric cars are limited by range and speed. Most of these cars have a range of about 50-100
miles and need to be recharged again. You just can’t use them for long journeys as of now,
although it is expected to improve in the future.
5. Silence as a Disadvantage
Silence can be a bit disadvantage as people like to hear the noise if they are coming from
behind them. An electric car is, however, silent and can lead to accidents in some cases.
6. Battery Replacement
Depending on the type and usage of battery, batteries of almost all electric cars are required
to be changed every 3-10 years.
7. Not Suitable for Cities, Facing Shortage of Power
As electric cars need the power to charge up, the cities that already facing acute power
shortages are not suitable for electric cars. The consumption of more power would hamper
their daily power needs.
9. Lower Amount of Choices
The market today for electric cars is expanding, with no signs of slowing down. However, the
truth is that there are fewer options to customize and choose the aesthetics of your EV.
10. Minimal Amount of Pollution
Electric vehicles are also not 100% emission-free; they cause a little amount of pollution
indirectly. The batteries and electricity needed for charging are not necessarily generated
from renewable energy sources.

ADVANTAGES OF A HYBRID VEHICLE:

Here are a few of the top advantages of having a hybrid car: -
1. Environmentally Friendly
One of the biggest advantages of a hybrid car over a gasoline-powered car is that it runs
cleaner and has better gas mileage, which makes it environmentally friendly. A hybrid

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vehicle runs on twin powered engine (gasoline engine and electric motor) that cuts fuel
consumption and conserves energy.
2. Financial Benefits
Hybrid cars are supported by many credits and incentives that help to make them affordable.
Lower annual tax bills and exemption from congestion charges come in the form of less
amount of money spent on the fuel.
3. Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels
A Hybrid car is much cleaner and requires less fuel to run, which means fewer emissions and
less dependence on fossil fuels. This, in turn, also helps to reduce the price of gasoline in the
domestic market.
4. Regenerative Braking System
Each time you apply the brake while driving a hybrid vehicle, it helps you to recharge your
battery a little. An internal mechanism kicks in that captures the energy released and uses it to
charge the battery, which in turn eliminates the amount of time and need for stopping to
recharge the battery periodically.
5. Built from Light Materials
Hybrid vehicles are made up of lighter materials, which means less energy is required to run.
The engine is also smaller and lighter, which also saves much energy.
6. Assistance from Electric Motor
The electric motor assists the internal combustion engine in case of accelerating, passing or
climbing a hill.
7. Smaller Engines
The gasoline engines used in hybrid cars are usually small, light, and highly efficient as they
don’t have to power the car alone.
8. Automatic Start and Stop
In hybrid cars, the engine is automatically shut off when the vehicle is idle and starts when
the accelerator is pressed. In comparison to traditional hybrid vehicles, PHEVs can drive
longer distances at higher speeds. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have lower energy emissions
because they emit only water vapour and warm air.
9. Electric-Only Drive
Hybrid vehicles can be driven entirely with electricity. This usually happens while moving at
low speeds, when the engine is idling at a stoplight or when the engine starts up. Normally,
the internal combustion engine starts operating only at higher speeds, where it has more
efficiency. This helps increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
10. Higher Resale Value
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 Atria Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering

With a continuous increase in the price of gasoline, more and more people are turning
towards hybrid cars. The result is that these green vehicles have started commanding higher
than average resale values. So, in case you are not satisfied with your vehicle, you can always
sell it at a premium price to buyers looking for it.

DISADVANTAGES OF A HYBRID VEHICLE

1. Less Power
Hybrid cars are twin powered engine. The gasoline engine, which is the primary source of
power, is much smaller as compared to what you get in single-engine powered cars while the
electric motor is of low power. The combined power of both is often less than that of a gas-
powered engine. It is therefore suited for city driving and not for speed and acceleration.
2. Can be Expensive
The biggest drawback of having a hybrid car is that it can burn a hole in your pocket. Hybrid
cars are comparatively expensive than a regular petrol car and can cost $5000 to $10000
more than a standard version. However, that extra amount can be offset with lower running
costs and tax exemptions.
3. Poorer Handling
A hybrid car houses a gasoline-powered engine, a lighter electric engine and a pack of
powerful batteries. This adds weight and eats up the extra space in the car. Extra weight
results in fuel inefficiency and manufacturers cut down weight, which has resulted in motor
and battery downsizing and less support in the suspension and body.
4. Higher Maintenance Costs
The presence of a dual engine and continuous improvement in technology make it difficult
for mechanics to repair the car and maintenance cost is also much higher. It is also difficult to
find a mechanic with such expertise.
5. Accident from High Voltage in Batteries
In case of an accident, the high voltage present inside the batteries can prove lethal for you.
There is a high chance of you getting electrocuted in such cases, which can also make the
task difficult for rescuers to get other passengers and driver out of the car.
6. Battery Replacement is Pricey
According to Green Car Reports, battery replacement of hybrid vehicles is currently rare.
However, if a battery needs to be replaced, it can get pricey.
7. Battery Disposal and Recycling
The batteries that are at the end of their useful life cycle can be recycled to harvest usable
materials for repurposing. This removes waste from the environment. But, the main issue
with recycling lies in the collection rate of vehicle batteries.
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 Atria Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering

8. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Issues

The source of hydrogen can be both “clean” sources such as solar or wind power or dirty
sources like coal and natural gas. Sourcing from coal and natural gas undermines the
ecological motive for the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Difference between IC engine and Electric Vehicle (EV)

SL
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Electric Vehicle (EV)
No
1. Emits greenhouse gases No tailpipe emissions
2. Travels large range / fill Travels short range / charge
3. Short refilling time (<5 min.) Long charging time (0.5 to 8 hrs.)
4. Fuel weight is low Batteries are very heavy
5. Higher maintenance cost Lower maintenance cost
6. Running cost: high Running cost: low
7. Needs complex gear system Needs only one gear
8. Noisy operation Quiet operation
Need to pick up speed to deliver Produces maximum torque
9. maximum torque

10. Energy efficiency: 30% Motor efficiency: 80%

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