The Bad side of electric cars and their batteries!

With the world swiftly moving towards decarbonising efforts and choosing greener alternatives to internal combustion engines (petrol/diesel), there is a newer problem in the making! As we know, electric cars run on Lithium Ion batteries and the disposal of lithium-ion batteries can have several adverse effects on the environment, including:

1. Soil contamination: Lithium-ion batteries contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can leach into the soil when the batteries are not disposed of properly. This can cause soil contamination, which can have harmful effects on plant and animal life.

2. Water pollution: When lithium-ion batteries are not disposed of properly, the heavy metals they contain can also contaminate water sources. This can have harmful effects on aquatic life and make water unsafe for human consumption.

3. Air pollution: When lithium-ion batteries are incinerated, they can release toxic chemicals into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues for people living nearby.

4. Fire hazards: Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable, and improper disposal can increase the risk of fires. When these batteries are exposed to heat or flames, they can explode, which can cause injury or property damage.

5. Resource depletion: Lithium is a finite resource, and the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries is leading to its depletion. Proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries can help reduce the need for new resources.

Which brings us to the next big question. What can car manufacturers do?

To mitigate the adverse effects of lithium-ion battery disposal, it is important to ensure proper disposal and recycling of these batteries. This can be achieved through the development of proper disposal facilities and the implementation of regulations and guidelines for the disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

Car manufacturers can recycle lithium-ion batteries using various methods. The recycling process typically involves several steps, including:

1. Battery collection: The first step in the recycling process is to collect used batteries. Car manufacturers may collect batteries directly from their customers or through authorized collection centers.

2. Battery disassembly: Once the batteries are collected, they are disassembled into their various components, including the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and casing.

3. Battery shredding: The battery components are then shredded into small pieces using specialized equipment. This process helps to separate the different components of the battery.

4. Chemical separation: After shredding, the battery components are subjected to chemical processes that help to separate the different materials. This includes processes such as hydrometallurgy, which uses chemicals to extract metals from the battery components.

5. Refining: The extracted metals are then refined to remove impurities and prepare them for reuse.

6. Production of new batteries: The refined metals are then used to manufacture new batteries, reducing the need for new resources.

Recycling lithium-ion batteries can help to reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal and conserve valuable resources. As such, many car manufacturers are investing in battery recycling technology and partnering with recycling companies to develop more efficient recycling processes.

The Skoda Superb - L&K Vs. Sportline - India

Brief history about Skoda and it's flagship "Superb"

Skoda Superb is a luxury sedan produced by the Czech automaker Skoda Auto since 2001. The name 'Superb' was first used by Skoda for a luxury car that it produced in the 1930s and 1940s. The modern Skoda Superb was introduced in 2001 as a flagship model to replace the Skoda Octavia. It was based on the Volkswagen Group's B5 platform and was initially available in both sedan and estate body styles.

The Skoda Superb has since undergone several updates and redesigns, with the third-generation model launched in 2015. The current model is based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform and is available with a range of petrol and diesel engine options.

Laurin & Klement (L&K) is a historic Czech automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1895 by Vaclav Klement and Vaclav Laurin in the town of Mlada Boleslav, which is now the headquarters of Skoda Auto. The company started out as a bicycle manufacturer before transitioning to producing motorcycles and automobiles.

Laurin & Klement produced its first car, the Voiturette A, in 1905. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality cars that were popular in Europe and beyond. In 1925, Laurin & Klement merged with Skoda, another Czech automobile manufacturer, to form Skoda-Laurin & Klement.

The Skoda Superb L&K is a special variant of the Skoda Superb that is named in honor of the company's founders. It is the top-of-the-line variant of the Superb and comes with a range of premium features and finishes, including leather upholstery, wood accents, and advanced safety and entertainment systems. The Skoda Superb L&K was first introduced in 2002 and has since become a popular luxury sedan in many markets around the world.

The Skoda Superb is a classy sedan with a bling value in India and is available in two variants, including the L&K and Sportline. Here are some key differences to consider when comparing the Skoda Superb L&K and Sportline:

1. Design: The L&K variant of the Superb has a more classic and elegant design with chrome accents and a sleeker grille, while the Sportline has a more aggressive and sporty design with a blacked-out grille, larger air intakes and blacked-out elements.

2. Performance: Both variants of the Superb are available with a 2.0 Litre Turbocharged petrol engines producing 188 bhp @ 4200 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1450 rpm of max power and max torque respectively. Unlike the Sportline variant sold in Europe region which has a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and a more responsive steering setup, making it a more engaging car to drive than the L&K variant - the India variant unfortunately, has no performance worthy differences whatsoever!

3. Features: The L&K variant is the top-of-the-line variant and comes with features such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and adaptive dampers. The Sportline variant is more focused on performance and comes with features such as sports seats, paddle shifters, and a sportier instrument cluster.

4. Additional features: Incidentally, the L&K variant is provided with three driving modes namely, Normal, Eco and Sport mode. They are for dynamics lights, aircon, steering weight and throttle sensitivity. Surprisingly, the Sportline variant misses on this and the TPMS (Tire pressure monitoring system) which the L&K conveniently provides!

5. Price: The L&K variant is typically more expensive at Rs. 43 Lakhs on-road Delhi than the Sportline variant Rs. 37 Lakhs OTR Delhi due to its higher-end features and premium design.

6. Comfort and Space: Both variants of the Superb offer spacious and comfortable interiors with plenty of legroom and headroom. However, the L&K variant has a more luxurious and premium feel, with leather upholstery and more advanced features such as the adaptive dampers, making it more comfortable for long journeys.

April 2023 will see the second and more stringent phase of BS6 emission norms get implemented within the country. While we’ll see many cars get upgraded to satisfy them, a couple of models are going to be discontinued thanks to the high cost of upgrading or thanks to them simply not bringing enough sales to form them viable. The primary car we all know which is going to be discontinued is the Skoda Octavia. The Superb (if we were to believe the sales teams in dealerships) will continue to sell with an engine upgraded to meet BS VI norms in India.

The car definitely gives a run for the money to the cars in the next class, sharing the same engine setup with a different tune - the Audi A4 and the Audi A6. It surely justifies it name - The Superb! Ultimately, the choice between the Skoda Superb L&K and Sportline variants depends on your individual requirements and preferences. If you prioritize luxury, comfort, and advanced features, the L&K variant would definately be a better option. If you value a sporty design, (with no specific performance variance) the Sportline variant may be more suitable for you.

Is the Petrol Toyota Fortuner a good buy for customers in Delhi NCR region?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has implemented several rules and regulations related to diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR in an effort to combat air pollution. Some of the key NGT rules related to diesel vehicles in Delhi region include:

1. Ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years: In 2015, the NGT ordered a ban on diesel vehicles that are more than 10 years old in Delhi-NCR, as these vehicles are more polluting and contribute significantly to air pollution.

2. Environmental cess on diesel vehicles: In 2016, the NGT directed the Delhi government to impose an environmental cess on diesel vehicles that enter the city, in order to discourage their use and reduce pollution.

3. Ban on diesel vehicles with engine capacity over 2,000cc: In 2016, the NGT banned the registration of new diesel vehicles with engine capacity over 2,000cc in Delhi-NCR, as these vehicles are generally more polluting.

4. Diesel vehicles undergo PUC tests more frequently: The NGT has directed that diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR undergo pollution under control (PUC) tests more frequently than petrol vehicles, in order to ensure that they meet the required emission standards.

Overall, the NGT rules related to diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR are aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the region. While these rules have been controversial and have faced some opposition from vehicle owners and industry groups, they have helped to raise awareness about the environmental impact of diesel vehicles and the need for cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

With this background, potential car buyers are preferring petrol vehicle options over diesel ones. This includes India's favourite mid-size SUV, the Toyota Fortuner.

There are several benefits of owning a petrol-powered Toyota Fortuner in Delhi. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Lower running costs: Petrol engines generally have lower running costs compared to diesel engines. This is because petrol is usually cheaper than diesel fuel, and petrol engines require less maintenance and have fewer parts that can wear out over time.

2. Better acceleration: Petrol engines typically have better acceleration than diesel engines, which can be particularly useful in the stop-and-go traffic conditions that are common in Delhi.

3. Lower noise and vibration: Petrol engines are generally quieter and smoother than diesel engines, which can make for a more comfortable driving experience.

4. Easier to maintain: Petrol engines require less maintenance than diesel engines, which can help keep maintenance costs down over the long term.

5. Lower upfront cost: Petrol-powered Fortuners generally have a lower upfront cost compared to their diesel counterparts, which can make them a more affordable option for buyers on a budget.

Overall, a petrol-powered Toyota Fortuner can be a great choice for drivers in Delhi who prioritize lower running costs, better acceleration, and a more comfortable driving experience.

What are naturally aspirated car engines?

A naturally aspirated engine is an internal combustion engine that draws in air through the normal atmospheric pressure and does not rely on any form of forced induction such as a turbocharger or a supercharger. In a naturally aspirated engine, the air is drawn into the engine through the intake manifold and mixed with fuel in the combustion chamber.

Naturally aspirated cars, or non-turbocharged cars, have some unique benefits that make them attractive to drivers who value a different kind of driving experience. Here are some benefits of naturally aspirated cars:

1. Simplicity: Naturally aspirated engines are less complex than turbocharged engines, which can make them more reliable and easier to maintain over the long term.

2. Linear power delivery: Naturally aspirated engines tend to deliver power in a more linear way, which can make them easier to control and more predictable in certain driving situations.

3. Lower cost: Since naturally aspirated engines are simpler and require fewer components, they are generally less expensive to produce and maintain than turbocharged engines.

4. Lower fuel consumption: Naturally aspirated engines can be more fuel-efficient than turbocharged engines, especially in city driving conditions where the benefits of a turbocharger may not be as significant.

5. Better throttle response: Naturally aspirated engines typically respond more quickly to changes in throttle input than turbocharged engines, which can make them more engaging to drive.

6. Better low-end torque: Since naturally aspirated engines don't require time to build up boost pressure, they often produce more low-end torque, which can be beneficial for certain types of driving.

7. Lower exhaust emissions: Naturally aspirated engines tend to produce fewer exhaust emissions than turbocharged engines, which can make them more environmentally friendly.

While there are certainly some drawbacks to naturally aspirated engines, such as potentially lower power output and acceleration times compared to turbocharged engines, these benefits can make them a good choice for drivers who prioritize simplicity, fuel efficiency, and a more natural driving experience.

There are several cars in India that come with naturally aspirated engines. Here are some examples:

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
3. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
4. Hyundai Santro
5. Hyundai Grand i10
6. Honda Amaze
7. Honda Jazz
8. Toyota Etios Liva
9. Toyota Yaris
10. Tata Tiago

These are just a few examples of cars in India that are available with naturally aspirated engines. Naturally aspirated engines are common in small cars and mid-sized sedans, but they can also be found in larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks. It is important to note that some of these cars may also come with turbocharged or other types of engines as well, so it is always best to check the specifications before making a purchase.

What is the difference between a turbo-charged and a non-turbo charged car?

The main difference between turbocharged and non-turbocharged vehicles is the way they generate power.

In a non-turbocharged engine, the air that enters the engine is drawn in by the vacuum created during the intake stroke of the piston. The amount of air that is drawn in is limited by the engine's natural aspiration and is dependent on factors such as engine displacement, valve size, and number of cylinders. The fuel is then mixed with this limited amount of air and burned in the engine to generate power.

In a turbocharged engine, the air that enters the engine is compressed before it enters the combustion chamber. This is done by a turbocharger, which is a device that uses a turbine driven by the engine's exhaust gases to compress the incoming air. The compressed air is then mixed with fuel and burned in the engine to generate more power than a non-turbocharged engine of the same size.

The benefits of a turbocharged engine include:

1. Increased power output: The compressed air allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in a significant increase in power output.

2. Improved fuel efficiency: The increased power output allows for better fuel efficiency, as less fuel is needed to generate the same amount of power.

3. Better performance at high altitude: At high altitudes where the air is less dense, a turbocharged engine can maintain power output better than a non-turbocharged engine.

4. Smaller engine size: A turbocharged engine can produce the same amount of power as a larger non-turbocharged engine, allowing for smaller and lighter engines with the same performance.

5. Faster acceleration: The increased power output of a turbocharged engine can result in faster acceleration times.

However, turbocharged engines can be more expensive to produce and maintain, and may require higher-quality fuel to prevent damage. Additionally, they may be more complex and require additional cooling mechanisms to avoid overheating.

So does that mean I should now sell my non-turbo charged car?

The answer is No! Here are some benefits of non-turbocharged cars:

1. Simplicity: Non-turbocharged engines are generally simpler and less complex than turbocharged engines, which can make them more reliable and easier to maintain.

2. Lower maintenance costs: Non-turbocharged engines generally have fewer components, which can result in lower maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle.

3. Lower purchase cost: Non-turbocharged engines are generally less expensive to produce, which can result in a lower purchase price for the vehicle.

4. Less wear and tear: Non-turbocharged engines tend to experience less wear and tear on their components over time, which can result in a longer lifespan.

5. Better fuel economy: Non-turbocharged engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than their turbocharged counterparts, especially in city driving conditions where turbochargers may not be as effective.

6. Less need for premium fuel: Non-turbocharged engines may not require premium fuel, which can result in lower fuel costs over time.

7. More predictable power delivery: Non-turbocharged engines tend to deliver power more predictably, with a more linear power band, which can be beneficial for certain driving situations.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to non-turbocharged engines, including potentially lower power output and slower acceleration times compared to turbocharged engines. However, the benefits listed above may be important considerations for drivers who prioritize simplicity, affordability, and fuel economy over raw power and performance.