Showing posts with label Auto News. Show all posts

ISSUES FACED BY THE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

KIHRD Online Learning Auto News , Automobile

Early we saw a slow change from the conventional fuel based vehicles to electric vehicles(EV) .But now the pace had increased .By 2025 EV will hold a good market share Majority of the vehicle manufactures had moved a step into the electric mobility First among them was the KONA launched by the Hyundai motor Company in India ,followed by Tata motors and many more .Currently we can see a lot of fuel pumps in different parts of our cities without much distance between them ,which make people easy to access .We need to have more charging stations similar to the Conventional fuel pumps .

Most manufactures are producing electric vehicles under the Plug in category ,which are much similar to our mobile phone , which needs to charge and will run till the battery drains out completely and for using it again we need to charge it again .Though few technologies like regenerative braking system helps to recover a very few of the used energy to restore the power in the battery .it’s not enough to restore the battery completely.

Due to the limited storage power of the batteries , the kilometre range which it can run is limited ,which make people not to choose the electric vehicles

Another major issue is the time taken by the system to recharge the battery to 100% .Most manufacturers are providing household chargers that could be charged using the 240V current , but taking more than 6 Hrs.to charge the batteries completely . High power charging stations are required to recharge the battery at least 80 % .It even take more than 1 hrs .So we need technologies that could charge the battery in less time or systems that could charge the battery while discharging at a higher rate .

The initial cost of the electric vehicles are huge compared to the conventional vehicles ,though it can be covered in less maintenance charges .And issues with the battery also make it a few persons choice .

New laws are required to frame for the distribution of power through the charging stations .Tax waving or similar method from the government are required to attract people into the electric vehicles

Written by : Stephin John Mathew

Battery Electric Vs Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Efficiency Comparison

KIHRD Online Learning Auto News , Automobile

Let’s talk about the Hydrogen drive

Volkswagen recently released a quite interesting comparison of the battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell (FCV) path to zero-emission mobility. The conclusion is that the only way to go for passenger cars is battery-electric cars.

But let's see the details and explain the differences between BEVs and FCVs.A BEV is equipped with a relatively large rechargeable battery, which supplies electricity to the inverter and then electric motor. In the case of FCVs, the battery is very small because it works only as a buffer between the power electronics/motor and the hydrogen fuel cell. The fuel cell stack provides electricity, consuming hydrogen, stored in tanks at high pressure.

When comparing the BEVs with FCVs, Volkswagen refers to studies, which say that hydrogen fuels (as well as synthetic fuels) will remain more expensive than driving all-electric (BEV). The reason for that is simple: more energy is required to produce them (compared to electricity and charging).

Moreover, the greener the electricity is the higher the advantage for BEVs. FCVs turn out to be "very inefficient – both in terms of efficiency and operating costs".

The only light in the tunnel for FCVs is maybe long-distance heavy-duty vehicles, as well as in rail, air and sea transport - but it's not yet proven commercially. Battery electric trucks are also coming.

"Science is largely in agreement on this issue, as several recent studies have shown. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, for example, assumes that hydrogen and synthetic fuels, so-called e-fuels, will remain more expensive than an electric drive, as more energy is required for their production.The Agora Verkehrswende (traffic transformation) initiative also points out that hydrogen and e-fuels do not offer ecologically sound alternatives without the use of 100 percent renewable energies, and that, given the current and foreseeable electricity mix, the e-car has by far the best energy balance. In the view of the Fraunhofer Institute, synthetic fuels and drive technologies such as hydrogen in combination with the fuel cell will indeed play a role – but not so much in the passenger car sector, but rather in long-distance and heavy-duty traffic, as well as in rail, air and sea transport. These segments will only be converted in later phases of the energy turnaround, i.e. beyond the year 2030, and closely linked to the expansion of renewable energies."

"In fact, hydrogen-based fuel cell technology has one crucial disadvantage: it is very inefficient – both in terms of efficiency and operating costs. This is also confirmed in detail by a Horváth & Partners study, comparing both types of drive for e-cars from the customer’s point of view."

Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Technical Development said:

„If we want to take the mobility turnaround and the environmental goals seriously, we must focus on the battery-electric drive. Everything else is a waste of the limited regenerative energy."

Efficiency comparison

According to studies, all-electric cars can achieve an outstanding overall Well-to-Wheel efficiency of 70-90%, depending on a particular example.

"In its study “Automotive Industry 2035 – Forecasts for the Future”, the management consultancy recently had a detailed investigation carried out into whether battery- or hydrogen-powered e-cars will become established in the future. The study was prepared over six months, accompanied by 80 people/interview partners and financed by the management consultancy itself. “The main reason for our study was that Horváth & Partners serves many clients in the automotive supply industry. Of course, these clients want to know what to expect in the next 10-to-15 years,” says study director Dietmar Voggenreiter, explaining the report.

So which energy storage system has the best efficiency and is the most cost-effective for powering electric cars? With battery-powered e-cars, only eight percent of the energy is lost during transport before the electricity is stored in the vehicle’s batteries. When the electrical energy is converted to drive the electric motor, another 18 percent is lost. Depending on the model, the battery-powered e-car thus achieves an efficiency of between 70 to 80 percent."

The hydrogen fuel cell requires 2-3 times more energy to drive the same distance, as the overall Well-to-Wheel efficiency is from 25-35%.

"In the case of the hydrogen-powered e-car, the losses are much greater: 45 percent of the energy is already lost during the production of hydrogen through electrolysis. Of this remaining 55 percent of the original energy, another 55 percent is lost when converting hydrogen into electricity within the vehicle. This means that the hydrogen-powered e-car only achieves an efficiency of between 25 to 35 percent, depending on the model. For the sake of completeness: the efficiency is even worse with alternative fuels. The overall efficiency here is only 10 to 20 percent.

In concrete terms this means that a hydrogen car consumes two to three times more electricity for the same distance than a battery car. But we cannot afford this kind of energy waste. The scarce green electricity must be used as efficiently as possible in the future. Hydrogen would therefore be a serious mistake for passenger cars. “In addition to the very real potential of green hydrogen, there is a dangerous hype going on right now," warn experts from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in a study quoted by the Handelsblatt. The Horváth&/Partners study comes to the same conclusions.

However, hydrogen offers very promising prospects – although not for cars. The authors of the study conclude that investments should rather focus on other areas where they make ecological and economic sense. “We believe that there is great potential if green hydrogen is pushed into applications where it can really establish itself in the long term. Above all in industry, but also in heavy-duty transport, aviation and shipping,” says Frank Klose, co-author of the study."

The conclusion

As we many times pointed out over the years, hydrogen fuel cell cars have three serious drawbacks:

· high initial cost of the vehicles (higher than battery-electric)

· high fuel cost (higher operational cost than battery-electric)

· lack of refueling infrastructure (BEVs at least have some in form of home charging, which covers most of the daily charging needs)

The FCV's advantage of range is shrinking as batteries are getting more energy-dense. Moreover, if you don't have a refueling infrastructure nearby, you have to go to a certain hydrogen station - not necessarily along the route, which cost time and... range. So basically there is no range advantage in practical use.

"From every angle of the environmental balance sheet, everything speaks for the battery-powered e-car. The technology is mature and ready for the mass market. The number of models is growing steadily. And with the battery-powered e-car, driving remains affordable. Current e-models are already at the price level of comparable combustion engine models. In contrast, the hydrogen car will always remain more expensive than the battery car – due to the complex technology and high fuel costs. Drivers already pay around nine to twelve euros per 100 kilometers for a hydrogen car, while battery cars cost only two to seven euros per 100 kilometers (depending on electricity prices in individual countries). And the topic of long-distance travel? That will soon no longer play a role. With the new generation of e-cars, ranges will increase to 400-to-600 kilometers, while charging will become increasingly faster."

Carburetor in Bikes & Fuel Injection

KIHRD Online Learning Auto News , Automobile

Carburetor in Bikes & Fuel Injection

Carburetor in bikes

Beginning 1 April 2020, India will move from Bharat Stage IV (BSIV) to Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emission norms to mitigate the rising pollution in the country. The move from BS4 to BS6 emission standards are so strict that the mechanical changes to two-wheelers or bikes are far more extensive. The BS6 emission norms are so extreme that accurate fuelling is important. Most bike manufacturers have ditched the affordable carburetor to a more precise, but expensive fuel-injection system.

However, what is the difference between fuel injection and carburetor in bikes? In this article, learn about the different fuelling systems of bikes.

Difference Between Carburetor and Fuel Injection:

Since the invention of the internal combustion engine, automobile engineers have strived to find effective ways to deliver air and fuel to the combustion engine. The device which controls the ratio of air-fuel mixture entering the engine is known as a carburetor, a fuel injection system also does the same. Then what is the difference between carburetor and fuel injection?

In simple terms, a carburetor helps the air-fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber.This method is known as Carburetion All this is done through mechanical parts. The fuel injection system also helps the combustion chamber to get air-fuel mixture, but with the aid of electronics and sensors, and not through mechanical parts.

Carburetor Engine: How Does It Work

The primary job of a carburetor is to mix fuel and air in a certain ratio and feed it to the combustion chamber. The device intercepts the flow of air to the combustion chamber, mixes fuel and delivers it to the engine. When the throttle of the bike is squeezed, the airflow to the carburetor increases causing suction of air and the delivery of fuel increases accordingly resulting in increased acceleration.

In technical , think of the carburetor as a tube that regulates or rather restricts the fuel delivery to increase the velocity of the air. This part which restricts the fuel is known as Venturi. With the increase in velocity of air, a low-pressure space is created, which facilitates drawing of fuel from a jet located near the venturi. This creates a concoction of air-fuel mixture that burns inside the combustion chamber. This is known as the Vacuum Venturi Effect.

Advantages of Carburetor:

While fuel injection systems may have replaced the conventional carburetors, there are advantages of carburetors as well. Below are the advantages:

· They are less expensive and can be easily repaired or replaced.

· Users can tune the carburetor according to their requirement, more power or more mileage.

· Made of light materials and hence are generally long-lasting.

· They are integrated separately from the engine, hence they can be easily removed and serviced or replaced without impacting the engine.

Disadvantages of Carburetor:

Some of the reasons why carburetors have made way for fuel injection systems are due to its disadvantages. Here are the disadvantages of a carburetor:

· Not fuel-efficient as a fuel injection system.

· There is a certain amount of lag resulting in a slow response from the throttle body.

· Carburetors parts are prone to wear and tear which requires frequent replacements.

· The mixture ratio of air-fuel might not always be the same and needs to be tuned regularly.

· Possibility of dust entering the carburetor’s chamber resulting in blockages.

· Diaphragm components are delicate which can be prone to damage easily.

Fuel Injection (FI): How Does It Work

Fuel injection system comprises a complex set of electronic components and sensors. The system depends on a fuel pump to control the flow of fuel to the combustion chamber. This fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank of the bike. The supply of fuel to the combustion chamber is enabled through an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This electric brain constantly monitors and makes complex calculations to deliver the best possible air-fuel mixture.

The complex calculations include parameters such as throttle position, engine speed, engine temperature and load, among others. The nozzle of the fuel injection system goes right into the chamber of the cylinder. Hence, the ECU directs the injectors to control the amount of fuel to enable the most efficient mode of combustion.

Advantages of Fuel Injection:

Here are the advantages of fuel injection system on bikes:

· Accurate air-fuel mixture and atomisation.

· Cleaner and more efficient combustion.

· Sharper and quicker throttle response.

· Better fuel efficiency or mileage.

· Compared to carburetors, FI systems are maintenance-free and less prone to damages.

· Can easily be tuned through ECU mapping.

Disadvantages of Fuel Injection:

However, fuel injection systems also have disadvantages. Here are some of the advantages of FI:

· Expensive compared to conventional carburetors.

· Requires complex tools to tune the FI system through custom ECU mapping.

· Needs expensive tools to repair it, which leads to higher costs.

· If the ECU fails, the bike will not start and you might be left stranded.

Carburetor Vs. Fuel Injection Engine in Bike: Which is Better

· Versatility: Carburetors are phased out since they are comparatively more pollutant compared to FI systems.

· Performance: The ECU is constantly working on complex calculations to offer the best performance of the engine. The carburetors struggle when it comes to ever-changing fuel temperature and air pressure.

· Mileage: FI system provides an accurate measurement of fuel and air resulting in higher performance of the engine which leads to better fuel management and mileage. The ECU can be mapped for a higher power ratio if you require.

· Maintenance: This is the only category where the carburetor is better compared to the fuel injection system. Carburetors can easily be repaired or replaced while FI systems require professional help which can lead to higher costs.

So, which is better? Fuel injection has an upper hand when it comes to performance, fuel efficiency, and better throttle response. While the FI system may cost you more, the long-term aspects of the FI system are better than a carburetor. That said, old school auto enthusiasts swear by the carburetor technology as they like to fiddle and work on them to derive the required results.

New Launches

KIHRD Online Learning Auto News , Automobile

Maruti launches BS-VI compliant CNG version of Eeco, priced at Rs 4.64 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Eeco has sold around 6.7 lakh units since introduction, claims the automaker.

The Eeco CNG variant comes equipped with factory fitted S-CNG kit.New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Monday said it has launched BS-VI compliant CNG version of its multi-purpose van Eeco, priced between Rs 4.64 lakh and Rs 5.06 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

First introduced in January 2010, Maruti Suzuki claimed to have sold around 6.7 lakh units of the model till date.

Taking forward its legacy, Eeco BS6 S-CNG is designed to deliver optimum performance, safety, engine durability, convenience and mileage."The Eeco CNG variant comes equipped with factory fitted S-CNG kit, calibrated to deliver optimum performance and enhanced drivability across all kinds of terrains, claims the automaker. The van is offered in a range of 12 variants with 5-seater, 7-seater, cargo and ambulance options.

Maruti Suzuki aims to sell the next 1 million green vehicles in a couple of years, as claimed during Auto Expo 2020.

Bajaj Auto launches Dominar 250, priced at Rs 1.6 lakh

The Bajaj DOminar 250 churns out 27 PS of peak power and 23.5 Nm of torque.

The new Dominar 250 is powered by a liquid cooled 248.8 cc engineNew Delhi: Bajaj Auto on Wednesday launched the Dominar 250, a variant of the Dominar Sports Tourer model, priced at Rs 1.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Dominar 250 is powered by a liquid cooled 248.8 cc engine delivering 27 PS power, Bajaj Auto said in a statement.The new bike is compliant to BS-VI emission norms and it is now available across all Bajaj Auto dealerships in dual channel ABS variant, the company said.

Courtsy : Auto economic times

All you need to know about the automatic transmission

KIHRD Online Learning Auto News ,

Automatic transmissions are becoming increasingly popular in modern cars due to their convenience to drivers. There are different types of automatic transmissions available. Let's take a quick look at the options.

HIGHLIGHTS

There are different types of automatic transmissions or dual pedal technologies.
The automatic transmission technologies include traditional Automatic Transmission (AT), Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and Tiptronic Transmission.

An automatic transmission is also known as self-shifting transmission or AT or dual pedal technology, as this system operates without a clutch pedal. It is a type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, erasing the need to shift gears manually.

The automatic transmission is especially efficient in bumper to bumper congested traffic in cities, where a manual transmission-equipped vehicle's driver needs to constantly move the gears.

There are different types of automatic transmissions or dual pedal technologies. Largely these are categorised as - Automatic Transmission (AT), Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and Tiptronic Transmission.

There are various types of automatic transmissions that save the drivers from the inconvenience of changing gears frequently in congested city traffic conditions.

Automatic Transmission (AT)

The traditional automatic transmission is also known as torque converter automatic and it is the frequently used self-shifting technology acrossmost vehicles. It uses a hydraulic fluid coupling or a torque converter to do the job of changing gears instead of a clutch.
The vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) is directly connected to the system to allow smooth and precise engine control of the vehicle. This technology In India, automakers like Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi use the automatic transmission technology in many of their cars and SUV's.

AMT is considered as one of the most popular variant of dual pedal technology. In picture, Lumax's e-shifter.

Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

Automated Manual Transmission, which is also known as AMT is a semi-autonomous transmission system. However, many automakers call it by other brand names as well. For example, Maruti Suzuki calls this technology as Auto Gear Shift or AGS, which is widely used in the automaker's models like Swift, Celerio, WagonR, Alto K10 etc.

The AMT uses a regular clutch and gear configuration but makes use of sensors, actuators, processors, and pneumatics to simulate manual gear use. This type of transmission is not very expensive compared to the traditional automatic gearbox, but offers users better mileage than manual gearbox and convenience of a dual-pedal technology as well. Apart from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors too uses AMT in its models like Nexon SUV and Tigor compact sedan.

CVT or Continually Variable Transmission uses belts or pulleys instead of traditional steel gears. It is a form of automatic transmission system.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT is another form of automatic transmission technology. This technology uses belts or pulleys instead of traditional steel gears. It offers seamless gear shifting with various ratios, which depend on engine speed of revolution per minute or RPM.

A CVT system focuses on maximum fuel efficiency and continuous acceleration at the same time. However, in a CVT car engine noise can be loud compared to other forms of automatic transmission systems. In India cars like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz, Nissan Micra, Honda Amaze are mated to CVT technology.

Dual Clutch Transmission or DCT is a combination of automatic and manual gearbox system.

Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Dual Clutch Transmission or DCT is a combination of automatic and manual gearbox system. It has no torque converter like a traditional automatic transmission. This technology comprises of two separate shafts with their own clutches for gear shifting, one with even-numbered gears and one for odd-numbered gears.

Shifting to the higher and lower gears in this technology is seamless but can become noisy and sometimes rough for the gear-shift. DCT is a dry transmission system, which allows the driver to not change the gearbox fluid ever. This system keeps the clutches dry and wearing out of the frictional quality happens eventually.

Volkswagen Group terms the DCT as Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG. The models like BMW 3 Series Coupe, BMW M3, Ferrari California, Porsche 911 use the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). Other notable models are Kia Seltos and Hyundai Venue.

Tiptronic Transmission

Tiptronic transmission is usually used in performance cars or sportscars. This technology is also known as manumatic. Pioneered by German sportscar manufacturer Porche in the '90s, the Tiptronic transmission works similarly to a manual gearbox, but it uses a torque converter instead of a clutch pedal.

The Tiptronic transmission comes with an option for the driver to override the automatic gear changing mode with manual selection of gears, which is preferred by many drivers who love old-school driving charm. The Tiptronic transmission system comes with a built-in safety feature that prevents the driver from damaging the gearbox while he or she over-revs during downshifting.

In India, Audi A8 sedan, Porsche Cayenne Coupe uses this transmission technology.