Efficiency, Cost Analysis and Carbon Footprint Assessment: A Comprehensive Two-Year Ownership Review of the BYD E6 Electric MPV

DOI : 10.17577/IJERTV13IS060111

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Efficiency, Cost Analysis and Carbon Footprint Assessment: A Comprehensive Two-Year Ownership Review of the BYD E6 Electric MPV

About the Author

Author:

Dr. Yogendra K

Professor and Chairman Department of Environmental Science

Kuvempu University Shankaraghatta-577451 Karnataka, INDIA

maintenance, and carbon footprint. A detailed comparison with

Dr. Yogendra K., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Environmental Science, Kuvempu University, Karnataka, India. With extensive experience in research, teaching, and academic leadership, he has made significant contributions to the field of environmental science. Dr. Yogendra's work is highlighted by numerous publications and research projects that reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in this domain.

Data Collection and Analysis

This article is based on the comprehensive data collected and analyzed by Dr. Yogendra K. over a two-year period (from June 13, 2022, to June 12, 2024) for his BYD e6 electric MPV. The data collection involved meticulous recording of various aspects of the vehicle's performance, including mileage, energy consumption, charging patterns, maintenance costs, and overall cost of ownership. Dr. Yogendra utilized this data to conduct a detailed analysis, comparing the electric vehicle's efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact with that of a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The insights derived from this analysis provide valuable information on the long-term benefits and sustainability of electric vehicles.

Abstract

This research article provides an in-depth review of the BYD e6 electric MPV after two years of ownership, covering 73,432 kilometers. It assesses the vehicle's performance, cost efficiency,

internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is included, highlighting significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

Keywords: BYD e6, Electric MPV, Real-world performance, Energy efficiency, Carbon footprint, Cost efficiency, Emission reduction

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of the BYD e6 electric MPV promised an eco- friendly and economical alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Globally tested and proven successful, the all-new e6 offers best-in-class features in both driving comfort and interior amenities. Built on the BYD e-Platform, it integrates essential electric powertrain components to reduce weight, optimize efficiency, and enhance the driving experience.

Equipped with BYD's Blade Battery, renowned for being the only battery to pass the nail penetration test, the e6 is one of the safest electric vehicles available. It offers a remarkable range of

520 km WLTC (City). This review covers the real-world performance, costs, carbon footprint, potential carbon credits, and overall experience of owning and driving this electric MPV over an extensive period.

  1. Year 1 (2022-23): Detailed Overview Impressive Mileage and Efficiency

    The BYD e6 stands out for its efficiency, averaging 15.1 kWh per 100 kilometers. This makes it a cost-effective choice for long-distance driving, especially considering its size and capacity as a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), suitable for both family needs and commercial use.

    Energy Consumption and Charging

    • Total Energy Used: 5,587 kWh

    • Fast Charging: 1,276 kWh (23% of total, cost:

      27,331 at an average of 21.42 per unit)

    • Home Charging (Solar): 4,311 kWh (77% of total,

      cost: 16,812)

      Cost Efficiency

    • Fuel Cost: 1.20 per km

    • Maintenance Cost: 0.13 per km after free services

    • Total Running Cost: 1.33 per km, excluding tire

      wear and tear

      Fast Charging Utilization

      The vehicle utilized fast charging from seven companies:

      1. Zeon

      2. TATA EZ Power

      3. Shell

      4. BESCOM- EV Mitra

      5. Statiq

      6. Jio BP

      7. Relux

      The lowest cost was at BESCOM- EV Mitra (8.54 per unit), while the highest was at Shell (24.37 per unit).

  2. YEAR 2 (2023-24): CONTINUED PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE

    Maintenance and Servicing

    Over 73,432 kilometres, the BYD e6 underwent seven servicesthree free and four paid. The free services ensured initial peace of mind, while the four paid services, totalling

    23,660, maintained the vehicle's optimal condition.

    Tyre and Brake Performance

    All four tyres were replaced at 47,000 kilometres, costing

    52,000. The brake pads have not needed replacement, thanks

    to the regenerative braking system. Routine Maintenance Costs

    Regular maintenance, such as wheel alignment and balancing, was conducted every 5,000 kilometers, costing

    1,000 per session, totalling 14,000 over two years.

    Speed Charging Costs in the Second Year

    • StatiQ: 517 units at 4,976 (average cost 9.62 per

      unit)

    • Zeon: 387 units at 9,913 (average cost 25.60 per

      unit)

    • JioBP: 114 units at 2,139 (average cost 18.76 per

      unit)

    • EV Mitra: 126 units at 1,164 (average cost 9.24

      per unit)

    • Charge ZONE: 87 units at 2,092 (average cost

      24.04 per unit)

    • Shell: 228 units at 6,095 (average cost 26.67 per

      unit)

      Home Charging Costs

      For 36,432 kilometres, the e6 consumed 5,465 kWh:

    • Speed Charging: 1,459 kWh at a total cost of

      26,379

    • Home Charging: 4,006 kWh at 3.90 per unit, amounting to 15,623

      Additional Accessories and Minor Replacements

      Mud flaps and wiper blades were replaced once at a cost of

      2,180.

      Total Cost of Ownership Maintenance and Service Costs

    • Paid Services: 23,660

    • Tyre Replacement: 52,000

    • Wheel Alignment and Balancing: 14,000

    • Wiper Blade Replacement: 2,180

    • Insurance: 61,842 (35,003 for the first year +

      26,839 for the second year)

      Charging Costs

    • Speed Charging: 26,379

    • Home Charging: 15,623

  3. TOTAL EXPENDITURE FOR TWO YEARS

    • Total Costs: 194,684 (Maintenance + Service +

      Charging)

      Cost per Kilometer

    • Total Kilometres Driven: 73,432 km

    • Cost per Kilometer: 2.65

      Charging Breakdown

    • Total Energy Used: 11,052 kWh

      • Speed Charging: 2,735 kWh (24.7%)

      • Home Charging: 8,317 kWh (75.3%)

  4. CARBON FOOTPRINT ANALYSIS

BYD e6 Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles typically produce fewer carbon emissions compared to ICE vehicles. The carbon footprint for the BYD e6, based on its energy consumption and the electricity mix, is calculated as follows:

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  • Average Carbon Intensity of Electricity in India:

    ~0.82 kg CO2 per kWh (source: International Energy Agency)

  • Total Energy Used: 11,052 kWh

  • Total Carbon Emissions: 11,052 kWh X 0.82 kg CO2/kWh = 9,061.44 kg CO2

    ICE Vehicle

    An ICE vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 12 km per Litre and a fuel cost of 89 per Litre produces significantly more emissions:

  • Average Carbon Emissions per Litre of Diesel:

    ~2.68 kg CO2 per Litre

  • Fuel Consumption: 6,119 Litres

  • Total Carbon Emissions: 6,119 Litres X 2.68 kg CO2/Litre = 16,402.92 kg CO2

    Comparison of Carbon Footprints

  • BYD e6: 9,061.44 kg CO2

  • ICE Vehicle: 16,402.92 kg CO2

    Carbon Credits

    Calculation of Carbon Credits

    Carbon credits can be earned by reducing emissions compared to a baseline. In this case, the baseline is the ICE vehicle's emissions:

  • Emission Reduction: 16,402.92 kg CO2 (ICE) – 9,061.44 kg CO2 (BYD e6) = 7,341.48 kg CO2

  • Carbon Credits Earned: 7.34 credits (1 credit = 1 ton CO2)

  • Total Value: 7.34 credits X 1,000 = 7,340

    Potential Financial Benefits

    The financial value of carbon credits varies, but assuming a

    market rate of 1,000 per credit:

    CONCLUSION

    The BYD e6 electric MPV has demonstrated remarkable reliability, cost-efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint over two years and 73,432 kilometers. With low energy consumption, minimal maintenance needs, robust performance, significant carbon emission reductions, and potential carbon credits, it is a viable option for sustainable and economical transportation. Its durability, especially in terms of tire and brake longevity, makes it suitable for both personal and commercial use. Comparing it to a conventional ICE vehicle, the BYD e6 offers substantial savings and environmental benefits, making it a worthwhile investment for environmentally conscious and budget-savvy consumers.

    Comparison with an ICE Vehicle Fuel and Maintenance Costs

    An ICE vehicle with an average fuel efficiency of 12 km per Litre and a fuel cost of 89 per Litre:

  • Fuel Consumption: 6,119 Litres

  • Fuel Cost: 544,591

  • Maintenance Cost: 72,500

  • Insurance Cost: 61,842

  • Total Cost of Ownership: 678,933

  • Cost per Kilometer: 9.24

    Cost Savings with BYD e6

  • Total Savings: 484,249 (678,933 – 194,684)

  • Savings per Kilometer: 6.59 (9.24 – 2.65)

  • REFERENCES

    1. BYD Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.byd.com/e6

    2. Edmunds. Electric Vehicle Reviews and Comparisons. Retrieved from https://www.edmunds.com/electric-car/

    3. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2020). Global EV Outlook 2020. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2020

    4. ChargePoint. Charging Network Information. Retrieved from https://www.chargepoint.com/

    5. Green Car Reports. EV Maintenance Cost Comparisons. Retrieved from https://www.greencarreports.com/

    6. Government of India. (2021). Energy Statistics. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Retrieved from https://mospi.gov.in/energy

    7. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Emission Factors for Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/