malvernmugadzikwa
. . . issues to consider in hybrid, EV adoption in Zimbabwe
Taurayi Raymond Sewera
HYBRIDS and electric vehicles (EVs) go back a long way, about 130 years and 190 years ago, respectively.
EVs are the ideal mode of transport we have always needed; unfortunately, the high voltage battery pack (rechargeable energy storage system) was too big and used lead acid as electrolyte, and would take forever to charge.
After days of charging these high voltage batteries, the range was just a few kilometres, if not metres.
In the early 1920s, with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, a breakthrough was made when the starter motor was invented.
This made the ICE-powered vehicle the most preferred mode of transport, as it would travel long journeys; all one needed was more petrol.
Fast forward to 1996, Japan made a breakthrough that would change the world automotive industry for the better, when it manufactured the most sold hybrid in the world, which was the Toyota Prius Gen 0 Hybrid.
The biggest advantage that pure hybrids have is that they do not need charging infrastructure to operate.
It is basically an electric vehicle with an onboard generator to charge the high voltage battery pack, as and when the need arises.
Over and above charging, the so-called “generator” will also propel the vehicle when the conditions demand.
Hybrids are ideal for Zimbabwe at the moment because electricity is not reliable; if we were to adopt full electric vehicles, we need to build ideal charging infrastructure.
Now, the truth of the matter about most of the cars being imported from Japan, through different auction sites, is that these vehicles have issues that necessitated their sale only outside that country.
Take the Toyota Aqua Hybrid, for example. The lifespan of its high voltage battery pack will have come to an end. Toyota warrants these battery packs eight years or 150 000km, whichever comes first.
Most of the Toyota Aqua vehicles being imported into Zimbabwe are from 2012 to 2016, which means the battery has played its part and needs to be replaced.
Original and brand-new high voltage battery packs cost around US$4 000. Additionally, other major components like the inverters (with DC-DC converter) assembly and transaxle (comprising two high voltage motor generators) are depleted and are no longer performing at optimum levels, and might need to be replaced or serviced. All this will amount to over US$10 000, which explains why those in Japan are getting rid of them.
Zimbabweans need to know all this before purchasing the so-called “new or recently imported vehicles” so that they buy these cars at the lowest possible price, ideally below US$2 000, then add shipping and other import costs and still remain with enough money to have all the issues mentioned above fixed.
This way, for under US$10 000, one can have a properly working hybrid vehicle that will save one a lot of money through a cut on fuel costs.
The main goals of the hybrid system technology include saving fuel and releasing less harmful emissions.
The major issue that comes with the Honda Vezel Hybrid is dry dual clutch system failure. This is because the vehicle is fitted with manual transmission, which uses an electronically actuated clutch system, through a sophisticated arrangement incorporating electro-hydraulic clutch actuators that use brake fluid to accomplish the clutch actuation.
Successful adoption of hybrids and EVs in Zimbabwe
There is need to train technicians who will work on these complex hybrid systems. Since we are importing used cars, which are mostly six years or older, into the country, we need to service most of the vehicle systems, such as the high voltage battery packs, electronic cooling systems, transaxles, transmissions, ICEs, brake systems and suspension. Additionally, there is need to raise more awareness so that motorists can understand these complex vehicles.
It is important to train first responders, emergency medical technicians, who will attend to accidents involving these electrified motor vehicles
We shall explore more on the hybrid vehicle’s architecture through a series of articles in this column.
*Taurayi Raymond Sewera is ASE and Auto Care Association-certified World Class Master Technician with 39ASEs, ASE Advanced Level Specialist L1, L2, L3 and L4, AMI-Accredited Master Electric Vehicles and Master Automotive Manager, and ACDC-certified Master Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Technician. He is the founder and CEO of TauRay Automotive. He can be contacted on: +263772341193, +263772357296 or [email protected]
Online Reporter