Be Green or just go with the flow?

Electric cars are often promoted as the future of transport, with promises of cleaner air and zero emissions. However, they may not be the best solution for every region, especially the Middle East. The region faces unique challenges like extreme heat, long stretches of desert, and limited charging infrastructure, which make fully electric vehicles (EVs) less practical.

Moreover, although EVs are marketed as a cost-saving option, they often end up being more expensive than conventional petrol or diesel cars. This includes higher purchase prices and the costs of charging. Hybrid cars, which use both electric power and traditional engines, may be the more sustainable and practical choice for drivers in the Middle East.

The Problems with Electric Cars in the Middle East

Range Anxiety in Hot Climates

One major issue with electric cars is ‘range anxiety’—the fear of running out of battery. This is particularly concerning in the Middle East, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Extreme heat reduces battery efficiency, which shortens the range of EVs. For instance, the range of the Jaguar i-Pace can drop by over 160 kilometers in such temperatures .

In the Middle East, this can leave drivers stranded in remote areas with few or no charging stations nearby. Hybrid cars avoid this issue as their petrol or diesel engine takes over when the battery runs low. This makes them more reliable for long journeys in the region.

Limited Charging Infrastructure

While cities like Dubai are working to improve charging infrastructure, it is still limited. Currently, there are around 600 charging stations in the UAE . Most of these stations are in major cities, leaving rural areas underserved .

Additionally, many people in the region live in high-rise buildings, which lack EV charging points. Although new regulations are being introduced, it will take time before charging infrastructure becomes widespread . Hybrid vehicles do not require charging infrastructure, making them a more convenient option for many drivers.

High Costs of EV Ownership

Many assume electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, but this is not always the case. Electric cars often have a higher upfront cost. Even budget EV models can cost more than a similar petrol or diesel car .

Charging costs can also be higher than expected. In the Middle East, where petrol prices are relatively low, the cost of charging an EV – especially using fast chargers – can actually exceed that of refuelling a diesel vehicle . Hybrids, on the other hand, offer cost savings without the need for expensive charging stations.

Environmental Impact of Battery Production

Electric cars don’t produce emissions on the road, but their production process is far from green. The manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries is energy-intensive and creates more emissions than producing petrol or diesel cars. Studies suggest the production of an EV generates 59-60% more CO2 than that of a traditional car .

Many EV batteries are made in countries where electricity is still largely generated by coal or other non-renewable resources. This means that the production of electric vehicles is contributing to emissions in ways that aren’t always obvious. Hybrids use smaller batteries, which require less energy to produce, making them a more eco-friendly option from the start .

Why Hybrids Make More Sense in the Middle East

Lower Emissions with Better Practicality

Electric cars produce no CO2 emissions on the road, but hybrids provide a balance that works well for the Middle East. In city driving, hybrids rely on their electric motors, producing fewer emissions. On longer journeys, their petrol or diesel engines take over, providing the extra range that electric vehicles struggle to match in hot climates .

Hybrids are also less affected by extreme weather, allowing drivers to maintain reliability even during the hot summer months .

No Need for Extensive Charging Infrastructure

One of the biggest advantages of hybrids is that they don’t depend on charging stations. Hybrids can be refuelled at any petrol station, making them much more convenient in regions where charging points are still rare. This is especially important for rural and desert drivers, who can travel long distances without worrying about finding a charging station.

For city dwellers, hybrids are also more practical since many apartment buildings do not yet have EV chargers installed .

Smaller Batteries, Smaller Environmental Impact

Producing large batteries for electric cars is resource-heavy and creates a bigger environmental footprint. Hybrid vehicles, which use smaller batteries, have a reduced impact on the environment. Their smaller batteries are easier to produce and recycle, making them a more sustainable option for now .

As battery recycling technology improves, both hybrids and EVs will become greener. However, at present, hybrids offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative, particularly in regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels for electricity.

Hybrids are the Better Choice for the Middle East

Electric vehicles have their benefits, but they come with many challenges – high costs, limited infrastructure, and reduced range in extreme heat. Hybrids, on the other hand, provide the best of both worlds: lower emissions, better reliability, and greater convenience.

For drivers in the Middle East, hybrids could be the smarter and more sustainable option. They help reduce emissions without the issues of range anxiety or high charging costs. While electric vehicles may be the future, hybrids are the better choice for today’s driving conditions in this region.

References:

1. Electric Vehicles for Environmental Regenerative Action (EVERA), quoted in The National, 2020.
2. Hussain, S., “Electric Vehicles and Heat Impact,” Jaguar Land Rover PR, 2019.
3. Dubai Municipality, EV Infrastructure Developments Report, 2021.
4. Amhaz, F., Chevrolet Middle East, 2021.
5. The National, “EV Infrastructure in High-Rise Buildings,” 2020.
6. Volkswagen Group, “Battery Production Environmental Impact,” 2021.
7. The Guardian, “Hybrid vs. Electric Car Emissions,” 2020.
8. The National, “Impact of Heat on EV Range,” 2020.
9. Hussain, S., “EV Charging Challenges in the UAE,” EVERA, 2021.
10. Volkswagen Group, “EV Battery Recycling Project,” 2021.