Electric and diesel cars have come out with shining performance in a test on 39 models of private vehicles - small family cars, large family cars, executive cars and the supermini.
This is no doubt welcome news to many car owners as electric and diesel private cars have evidently gained, in recent years, wide consumer favour as reflected in the growing number of imports into Hong Kong.
The test was coordinated by the ICRT (International Consumer Research and Testing) for publication in the Council's latest issue (November) of CHOICE.
Besides electric and diesel cars, the test models included also 31 models comprising 6 of the hybrid type (capable of being powered by either petrol or electrical energy) and 25 petrol cars.
According to the test, many of the 8 models of electric (5) and diesel (3) private cars generally performed well in overall rating within their own category.
Electric cars were at the top of the overall rating in both the supermini and small family car categories while diesel cars were equally well rated in the large family and executive car categories.
Among the electric car models, one scored 4.5 points in overall rating, on a scale of 5, three others 4 points and one 3.5 points. Of the diesel car models, one scored 4.5 points and the two others 4 points in overall rating.
As shown in the test, only two models were awarded the highest scores of 4.5 points in overall rating and the top honour was shared by one electric car and one diesel car.
Overall rating was based on: safety 20%; environmental performance (energy efficiency, CO2 and other pollutants emissions) 20%; ease of use (cabin entry and exit, cabin space, boot volume, visibility) 20%; engine and power-train performance 15%; road behaviour (driving and braking) 15%; and comfort (suspension, seats, ventilation, interior noise) 10%.
On environmental performance, assessed by energy efficiency and emissions of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, driving cycle tests were conducted in the laboratory simulating urban, countryside and motorway driving. In some of these tests, the air conditioning system of the cars were turned on to mimic authentic driving condition.
The test measured the average fuel consumption (AFC) of the models under study - a valuable buying guide for the energy conscious:
- Of the 3 diesel car samples, their AFC were 4.3, 5.3 and 7.5 litres of diesel per 100 km.
- Of the petrol cars and hybrid cars (excluding the plug-in hybrid model), one supermini and one hybrid small family car had the lowest AFC of 5 litres of petrol per 100 km, while one 5-door SUV model and one sports car styled model had higher AFC of 8.5 and 8.4 litres of petrol per 100 km.
- The AFC of the plug-in hybrid model was measured to be 4.2 litres of petrol and 8 kWh of electricity per 100 km. To achieve low fuel consumption, the vehicle has to be recharged timely by plugging it to an electrical outlet.
- Of the five electric cars, one 5-door hatchback had the lowest average electricity consumption of 16 kWh per 100 km while the sample with claim of a maximum power of 310 kW recorded the highest average electricity consumption of 24.2 kWh per 100 km.
On carbon dioxide emission, causing greenhouse effect and, in turn, leading to global warming, cars with less CO2 emissions are considered a better option. In the case of electric cars which do not emit CO2 when running on the roads, their total CO2 emissions (generated by the power plant) were relatively low.
Emissions of other pollutants including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and suspended particulates were measured at the exhaust pipes of the samples in driving cycle tests.
The test results will also no doubt enhance consumer confidence in the wider use of electric vehicles to help improve roadside air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to official statistics, as at end of October this year, there are 1,155 electric vehicles in use, up from less than 100 in end 2010. At present, there are some 1,000 standard and over 100 medium charging points for electric vehicles as well as 10 quick chargers in Hong Kong.
Since the test was conducted in Europe, consumers are reminded that the road and traffic conditions in Europe are different from those in Hong Kong. Further, the specifications of the cars sold here may differ from those in Europe.
Before any purchase decision, consumers are advised to check with the car agents about the specifications of the cars and whenever possible take actual test drives on the roads. For electric cars and plug-in hybrid cars, consumers should also consider the locations of charging stations.
The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE (https://echoice.consumer.org.hk/).
- 2014.11.17