by Today, in the conditions of a rapid increase in the cost of electricity and infrastructure challenges in Ukraine, many motorists are beginning to reconsider their attitude towards electric vehicles. The attractiveness of eco-friendly transport faces the realities of high tariffs, problems with charging infrastructure, and significant depreciation in the secondary market. However, there is a way out – modern gasoline or hybrid cars with high fuel economy. For example, such as Nissan Qashqai e-Power, they can provide fuel consumption at the level of 3-4 liters per 100 km and compete in terms of operating costs even with electric vehicles. Despite all the advantages of electric vehicles, the actual operating conditions often cast doubt on their economy: – High cost of electricity. If home overnight charging remains affordable for owners of private houses, then using public charging stations is significantly more expensive. The average cost of charging at 15 UAH/kWh makes a range of 100 km equivalent to 6 liters of gasoline. – Underestimated real range. In the best case, an electric car will cover 75-80% of the declared autonomy, especially in cold weather. – Battery degradation. Over time, batteries lose capacity, reducing the range and increasing charging costs. – Depreciation. Electric vehicles tend to depreciate rapidly. For example, a Tesla purchased for $40,000 can halve in price in a few years. Nissan Qashqai e-Power: the golden mean One of the brightest examples of a car with high fuel efficiency is the Nissan Qashqai e-Power. Its system combines a gasoline engine acting as a generator and an electric motor that drives the car. This unique approach allows for low fuel costs without the need to charge the car. Major e-Power benefits: – Fuel efficiency. In a mixed cycle, fuel consumption is 3-4.5 liters per 100 km. In urban conditions, this is more advantageous than an electric vehicle. – Electric drive comfort. Quick response to the gas pedal, quiet operation, and smooth ride make the car similar to an electric vehicle. – Independence from charging. The gasoline engine provides battery recharge in any conditions. – Value retention. Thanks to modern technology and reliability, the Qashqai has a lower level of depreciation compared to electric vehicles. Is it really more cost-effective? Let’s consider a hypothetical example: – An electric car with a range of 250 km requires about 50 kWh for a full charge, costing 750 UAH. Expenses per 100 km – approximately 300 UAH. – Nissan Qashqai e-Power, consuming 4.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km, at an average fuel price of 55 UAH/l will need 247 UAH over the same distance. The difference is obvious and favors the hybrid. Added to this are the convenience of operation and the absence of charging problems. Conclusion Against the background of rising electricity prices and difficulties with charging infrastructure, vehicles with modern technologies, such as e-Power, become the ideal choice for those who seek savings without compromises. They combine the advantages of electric vehicles and traditional cars, providing comfort, dynamics, and affordability in the long term.
