point by point, myths and truths of the new mobility

The electromovilidad undergoes tangible growth with increasing number of alternatives on the market. And it is not only a virtuous circle in favor of sustainability and environmental protection, which is key; the electric cars They are also part of a conductive evolution that becomes evident when doubts are answered and myths are debunked that may appear along the way.

The future of the automotive industry is electric. The development of the new platforms is designed in a plug-in matrix because there are regulations that have already set an expiration date for combustion engines. The European Union defined – in a great struggle that has not yet ended – that in 2035 the sale of vehicles powered by petroleum fuel will not be allowed. In the United States, and for the same year, New York and California already see the end.

The growth of electromobility occurs in stages, which It started with hybrid engines and continues with 100% electric ones. In this framework, an increase was seen here in this market: according to the latest record of the Association of Automotive Dealers of the Argentine Republic (Acara), in the first half of 2023 there was a 32% increase in the patenting of electrified models.

In the commercialization of electric cars, Renault It is a pioneer in Argentina: the 100% electric variant of the Kangoo has been around for almost six years since it was launched in March 2018. And it anticipates the arrival of more new features.

The operating principle of an electric car is not complex. It is equipped with a motor powered by electrical energy that is stored in traction batteries. This electrical energy is transmitted as current to the impeller, where it is converted into mechanical energy through rotation. Does not generate noise or release gasestwo obvious differences compared to internal combustion thermal propellants.

Batteries are vital parts. They are made up of groups of cells connected in series, which work together to store energy that is then used to move the vehicle. Lithium-Ion ones achieve high efficiency, eliminate the absence of maintenance and better recycle waste. But other elements such as sulfur, cobalt and graphene are also used.

1 – Electric cars are easier to drive

Electric cars do not have changes, so the sensation is that of an automatic vehicle and therefore friendlier when driving. In addition, the 100% electric models have a maximum torque delivery system from moment zero and the electric motor offers the power so that it can drive the wheels directly.

2 – Electric motors have as much or more power than thermal motors

El walk silentlyalmost imperceptible, of an electric motor can generate the false sensation that they are less spicy. On the contrary, the fact that a motor is electric does not detract from the power or speed they can develop. In fact, they offer the great advantage of delivering torque instantly and not gradually as happens in combustion engines. What’s more: the most powerful hypercars in the world are electric and some have already exceeded the 2,000 horsepower threshold.

3 – Why do we talk about consumption economy in an electric vehicle?

The cost of using an electric car It will depend on its consumption and the values ​​of the electrical energy used for its recharge. But with equal use, A combustion vehicle consumes approximately three times more energy than an electric vehicle.. This is due to the efficiency of an electric motor, in which 90% of the battery’s energy is transformed into movement.

4 – General maintenance is less expensive

He electric vehicle generates less maintenance costs because it has fewer consumable components. In addition, both the battery and the motor do not require interventions. Yes, there are certain common elements that require maintenance or replacement: cabin filter, 12V battery, coolant fluids and brake fluid.

5 – Better care for the environment: batteries are recyclable

Batteries can be repaired and continue to be used in electric vehicles. But when they are no longer recoverable for current use, they can be used for a secondary purpose, such as energy storage sources from solar panels. After that, recycling will be made available.

6 – Charging infrastructure in the city is important but not an obligation

For urban use it may not be necessary to charge in public spaces, as long as you have a home charger. Semi-public or public chargers are mainly useful for medium or long-distance trips. In these cases, it is always recommended to plan the trip in advance, knowing the charging points available along the way.

7 – Electric cars can be used in case of rain or floods

Another myth: can be used normally, just like a combustion vehicle, since it will not affect the operation of the engine and battery at all. In flood situations, water should reach no more than the top of the bottom edge of the tire, according to the owner’s manual.

8 – The power went out; Can the electric car be used in the same way?

Running out of charge is one of the main concerns of users. That’s why always It is necessary to plan the routes to be taken and evaluate the available autonomy.

9 – Why they are more expensive than combustion cars

There is still a price difference that makes electric vehicles more expensive, but in recent times there has been an evolution in economic terms where electric vehicles are becoming more economical and that already In many cases they are equaling the prices of internal combustion vehicles.

10 – Is there a risk of electrocution when in contact with the engine of an electric car?

In the case of the brand’s electric vehicles Renault, are provided with a protection device that neutralizes the risk of electrocution. If a problem is detected, the power supply from the traction battery is immediately interrupted.

After having marked the path of 100% electric vehicles with the Kangoo, Renault is moving forward with the introduction of more new features in its electrified range under the name E-Tech: In addition to the evolution of the 100% electric Kangoo E-Tech, the 100% electric Kwid E-Tech and the 100% electric Mégane E-Tech will be added.

For the entry range, the Renault Kwid E-Tech 100% electric It is a car weighing less than a ton (977 kilos) that can be charged through a home wallbox or also with fast charging in public and semi-public spaces and has a range of 298 kilometers in urban use. Its engine allows it to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.1 seconds.

He 100% electric Mégane E-Tech It is developed on the CMF-EV electric platform. It has a 220 HP engine and 300 Nm of torque. Its autonomy is 450 km and it has a fast charger that allows you to power the battery for 100 kilometers in eight minutes. Its contribution to the environment is not only in electrification: at the end of the life cycle, 95% of the vehicle can be recycled.

The Kangoo E-Tech 100% electric It is equipped with an efficient 120 HP engine and up to 300 kilometers of autonomy in the WLTP cycle. This model will present several technology and comfort elements unique in its segment. Thus, its load capacity reaches up to 4.9m³ and 800 kilos.

The 100% electric Renault E-Tech range that is soon to arrive in Argentina also comes to give a concrete response to protect autonomy, a topic always of deep concern in electricians. For example, When driving with Eco Mode you can gain up to 10% autonomy: The maximum speed is limited, less rapid acceleration is generated and the heating or air conditioning performance is reduced.

With the Heat Pump, you earn between 5% and 10%. As? This device provides heating in winter and coolness in summer. It works according to the principle of reversible air conditioning but consuming twice less energy. The heating provides the passenger compartment with the calories recovered in the front of the vehicle. And vice versa, the air conditioning extracts calories from the cabin to expel them to the outside.

For the best battery maintenance, Renault has the Battery Management System (BMS) in its models. It is capable of preserving operation to offer maximum autonomy at all times. Regulates the battery according to the current charge level, the outside temperature and its condition. It must be taken into account that, with use, the battery may lose less than 2% of its operating status annually.