12 Pages
2919 Words
Chapter 1: Introduction Of U10477 Write Up A Small Individual Project Assignment
Background
Currently, there is constant development of R&D department within UK which has resulted in introducing new and innovative techniques on regular basis. Due to this reason there are diverse types of cars available in market which includes petrol, diesels and eclectic. In year 1886, first petrol car was introduced by Carl Benz and in early 1900s diesel cars were introduced as this were more efficient than them (Evolution of Car in UK, 2023). However, due to increase concern over natural resources and carbon emission produced by such vehicle, Elective vehicle (EV) has been introduced. This vehicle has been promoted by government with the aim of safeguarding country’s environment and enhancing overall sustainability. On the other hand, this vehicle requires huge amount of upfront cost and infrastructure development. Therefore, due to large number car options, consumer generally get confused while decision of most efficient vehicle. So to overcome the issue thematic analysis will be used to shed light on comparative analysis of diverse vehicles and their practicability.
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Research aims and objective
Aims:
This project aims to investigate and compare petrol, diesel and electric vehicles to determine which option is the most suitable for the average consumer. The study will rely on secondary and primary research to analyse these three options comprehensible, drawing on existing literature, market reports and consumer review.
Objective:
- To analyse the upfront and long-term cost associated with petrol, diesel and electric cars.
- To evaluate the practicality of each option including factors such as infrastructure, driving range and refuelling/recharging time.
- To compare the reliability of the three types of vehicles based on existing data and user experiences.
- To produce the findings into a practical decision-making framework for prospective car buyers.
Research question
- Q1. What is long term and upfront cost associated with electric, petrol and diesel car?
- Q2. What is the practicability of different type of cars?
- Q3. What is reliability of different vehicles on basis of user experience and existing data?
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Introduction
Literature review refers to the overview of the already published work to gain a better understanding of the research issue and topic. This is the critical process which helps in determining the entire positive and negative aspects related to the topic. This session will include information regarding various upfront costs and practicability of different cars. Further, it also provides information regarding the reliability of diverse vehicles.
Theme 1: Evaluation of upfront and long-term costs regarding diesel, petrol and electronic cars
According to the Aggarwal and Chawla (2021), diesel, petrol and electronic cars have different upfront costs. In earlier times, petrol cars are the most affordable option as it has low upfront costs due to the relatively set internal combustion engine technology. The petrol cars are made of lighter materials with a cheaper cost, leading to declines in overall upfront cost. Apart from this, Rout et al, (2022) outlined that the upfront cost of diesel cars is slightly more expensive as compared to petrol cars as diesel cars are made of heavier materials result chances of greater wear and tear. Besides this Husain (2021) stated that as compared to petrol and diesel cars electronic vehicles have the greatest upfront costs as they include expensive batteries, luxury features as well as overall car market trends. In addition, Ugoji et al, (2022) highlight that there is a moderate maintenance cost for petrol cars while because of engines and emission systems, diesel cars usually have a high maintenance cost.
Theme 2: Practicality of each option consisting of factors like driving range, infrastructure, refuelling/ recharging time
In the views of Alanazi (2023), effective infrastructure is crucial for getting benefits of the petrol, diesel and electronic vehicles. In current times, there is sufficient availability of petrol pumps that provide services of filling tanks with petrol and diesel in both urban and rural areas. This leads to making the petrol and diesel cars a convenient option for travelling. However, based on the opinion of Patil et al, (2024), electronic vehicles face difficulty in the act as a practical option because of the scarce and limited charging options and services in rural areas. Compared to this, the urban area has the availability of several charging stations due to better infrastructure, making EVs a good option for urban people. In addition, the charging of electronic vehicles requires greater time, thus creating a question of its practicality. However, currently, companies to make EVs a viable option focus on sufficient research and development to decrease the required time for charging.
Cunanan et al, (2021) expressed that diesel and petrol cars have the longest range per tank. The passenger can travel long distances with the help of diesel and petrol cars. In contrast to this, electronic vehicles have a limited range because of their limited battery capacity. Automakers emphasize investing in better battery technology to enhance the range, charging speed as well as durability of the electronic vehicles. Moreover, diesel cars are featured as durable, and more powered, making them practical for particular requirements such as logistics and farming. However, electronic vehicles are proficient and suitable for the urban environment, where stop-start technology increases efficiency. Referring to the views of GANJI (2024), diesel vehicles are most suitable for long-distance travelling while electronic vehicles are best for the urban environment due to charging convenience and its benefits of overcoming carbon emission.
Theme 3: Comparison of reliability of three kinds of vehicles
Ahmed et al, (2022) outlined that the mechanical reliability of electronic vehicles is much better as compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. Durability and heavy engine differentiates it from others. In the view of Sanguesa et al, (2021), to maintain the reliability of electronic vehicles it is important for EV companies to use advanced technologies to overcome the issue in a significant manner. However, within petrol and diesel vehicles after the greater use of engines, the competency of the vehicle declines resulting in difficulty in covering the long distance within the less time. According to Ahmadi and Khoshnevisan (2022), electronic vehicles are more reliable regarding environmental concerns, they aid in the decline of environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and help provide a better life to people. However, petrol and diesel vehicles are less reliable for the environment, even if is act as a greater threat for creating pollution. Thus, electronic vehicles have greater reliability as compared to diesel and petrol vehicles.
Literature Gap
Prior research has been done to identify the significance of petrol, diesel and electronic vehicle use while no study conducted to identify and compare the suitability of diesel, petrol and electronic vehicles. The current study fills the gap and by comparing the data effectively helps in determining the suitability of the concern three kinds of vehicles.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Introduction
Research methodology refers to specific techniques and procedures used for determining, selecting and analysing information related to topic (Hasan et al, 2021). This section will include in-depth information regarding research type. Philosophy, approach and data collection method used in current study.
Research type
Research type refers to organized inquiry designed and carried out with the aim of resolving a particular issue or problem. Research type is organized into two broad categories that include qualitative and quantitative type (Blumberg, Cooper and Schindler, 2011). Qualitative data includes collecting non-numerical or descriptive information with the aim of exploring social reality. Quantitative data includes information in the form of numbers and statistics as to test causal relationship between elements. In the context of testing suitability of diverse cars, researcher has chosen qualitative research type. This method supports in exploring beliefs, view point and perception of wider population which help in effectively resolving issues. Further, information regarding reliabilities of different cars could not be identifying in numerical form which result in opting for qualitative method.
Research philosophy
Research philosophy implies to belief related to a manner in which information related to phenomena is gathered and analysed. This philosophy has been classified into two types which include positivism and interpretivism philosophy (Taherdoost, 2022). Positivism philosophy indicates that authentic knowledge is derived form numerical information. Interpretivism philosophy refers to sociological method in which event is evaluated on basis of norms, beliefs and values. Interpretivism philosophy will be used for exploring knowledge regarding diverse type of cars. This method has been used as it helps in gaining nuanced understanding related to social phenomena by exploring subjective meaning and experience of individuals. Moreover, current study is based on qualitative data which could be best accompanied by Interpretivism philosophy.
Research approach
Research approach refers to step wise process used for collecting, analysing and interpreting data. This approach has been divided into two parts includes inductive and deductive approach. Inductive approach refers to method of forming conclusion after critically evaluating collected data (Kamper, 2020). Deductive approach refers to top to bottom approach in which existing theories are tested on the basis of collected information. In the context of determining the suitability of most accurate cars, inductive approach has been used by researcher. This method supports in developing new theories and concept which aids in effectively understanding research topic. Further, inductive approach includes clearly observing respondent’s perception and view point based on which accurate judgement could be taken.
Data collection
Data collection refers to process of evaluating multiples sources from which all the relevant and accurate information is gathered (Mulisa, 2022). The most prominent method of collecting data includes primary and secondary data collection method. For analysing reliability and practicability of different vehicles and cars, data has been gathered from secondary sources namely books, journals and scholarly articles related to the topic. This method helps in exploring complex phenomena and support in gaining comprehensive and detailed insight of the topic. Along with this, secondary data collection method will be used which support in enhancing accessibility and collecting information with fewer resources. In this regard, Google scholar and university library portal has been accessed through which large number of books, journals and scholarly articles.
Data analysis
Data analysis refers to the process of transforming raw data into actionable insight for taking informed decision (Suri, 2020). This analysing method is classified into two parts that includes SPSS and thematic approach. In the context of present study, thematic approach has been considered that helps in identifying the new patterns and themes form the qualitative data. In this researcher is aiming at following six step processes which includes familiarizing, developing codes, searching, reviewing and defining themes and lastly write up conclusion.
Conclusion
To sum up section, it has identified that researcher is aiming at collecting qualitative data by using secondary method. Further, interpretivism philosophy and inductive approach has been used for collecting most reliable data. All the collected information will be analysed through thematic approach for gaining adequate outcome.
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Evaluation of upfront and long-term costs associated with varied vehicles
It has been found from the evaluation that in against to both the options i.e. diesel and petrol cars, the running cost of the electronic vehicles is much less due to lower electronic prices and lack of maintenance requirements as no need for oil changes hence making it easier to upkeep. Electronic vehicles only need charging at the right time to furnish the best ride (Patil et al, 2024). However, within the United Kingdom, the government offers subsidies for electronic vehicles that help offset the higher upfront cost in a significant manner. Further, outcome of secondary data evaluation clearly exhibits that diesel cars are more fuel efficient as a result have a low running cost as compared to petrol cars. Diesel cars use less fuel as compared to petrol cars for the same distance area (Cunanan et al, (2021).
Comparative assessment of three options
Electronic Vehicles have fewer moving parts and result in less chance of mechanical failures while diesel and petrol vehicles made of heavy engines increase the chances of wear and tear. In addition, it is identified that electronic vehicles have fewer flat battery call-outs as compared to petrol and diesel cars (Ahmed et al, 2022). EVs are generally 59% less likely to break down in to traditional combustion engines. Nevertheless, with time, the battery backup of electronic vehicles declines after a certain period there is a need to change batteries in the electronic vehicles. In addition to this, now customers give more priority to the eco-friendly options that contribute in the environmental sustainability (Alanazi, 2023). Environmental benefit is one of the main points of comparing the reliability of the petrol, diesel and EV vehicles. Through evaluating the environment-related data in the UK, it is identified that greater use of the EV leads to a decline in carbon emissions by -2.1% (EVs drive down carbon emissions, 2025). Along with this, it has been identified that usually, EV cars have a total distance of over 110 to over 300 miles on a single charge, Also, most electronic cars take 6 to 12 hours for a full charge via the help of a standard charger. Even with the rapid charging technology, it still takes approximately 30-60 minutes to charge up to 80% (EVs are more reliable, 2025). On the other hand, the full petrol tank helps the passenger to cover a long distance efficiently. However, it is identified that consumers face inconvenience due to long charging time as compared to rapidly refueling at the petrol pump (Cunanan et al, 2021). Along with this, as compared to both vehicle options, there is much less maintenance cost for the electronic vehicles. The used battery, associated equipment and motors require no maintenance which makes it more user friendly over others.
To sum up, it is evaluated that petrol vehicles have greater upfront costs than diesel vehicles while EVs have much lower costs. Through literature review, it has been assessed that diesel cars are suitable for covering long distances while EVs are sound options for urban dwellers (Ugoji et al, 2022). In addition, by comparing the three vehicles analysed EVs are more reliable mechanically but referring to battery longevity it is not good.
Chapter 5: Conclusion
By summing up this report, it has been articulated that, innovation and technology has increased the utilisation of electric cars and these also become popular among people. The growth of electric cars has reduced the demand of the petrol and diesel cars. However, there care lot people in the world who still prefer the petrol-diesel cars. The report has analysed the upfront and long-term costs in associated with the different types of cars by using secondary method. By literature review, the current study has found out that electric vehicles are good compare to petrol and diesel cars in terms of environmental impact but it also has issues like long charging time, limited capacity, complex and many more. The report has discovered that automotive companies have to invest more in research and development to overcome the issues. Further, it can be summarized from the evaluation that electric vehicles have lower cost than the traditional vehicles. Although, different cars have benefits like petrol-diesel cars are right option for long distance travelling on the other hand, electric vehicles are good option for eco-friendly customers. Different types of
References
Books and Journals
- Aggarwal, A. and Chawla, V.K., 2021. A sustainable process for conversion of petrol engine vehicle to battery electric vehicle: A case study. Materials Today: Proceedings, 38, pp.432-437.
- Ahmadi, P. and Khoshnevisan, A., 2022. Dynamic simulation and lifecycle assessment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles considering various hydrogen production methods. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47(62), pp.26758-26769.
- Ahmed, A.A., Nazzal, M.A., Darras, B.M. and Deiab, I.M., 2022. A comprehensive sustainability assessment of battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles through a comparative circular economy assessment approach. Sustainability, 15(1), p.171.
- Alanazi, F., 2023. Electric vehicles: benefits, challenges, and potential solutions for widespread adaptation. Applied Sciences, 13(10), p.6016.
- Cunanan, C., Tran, M.K., Lee, Y., Kwok, S., Leung, V. and Fowler, M., 2021. A review of heavy-duty vehicle powertrain technologies: Diesel engine vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Clean Technologies, 3(2), pp.474-489.
- GANJI, F., 2024. ASSESSING ELECTRIC VEHICLE VIABILITY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF URBAN VERSUS LONG-DISTANCE USE WITH FINANCIAL AND AUDITING INSIGHTS. TMP Universal Journal of Research and Review Archives, 3(4).
- Hasan, N., Rana, R.U., Chowdhury, S., Dola, A.J. and Rony, M.K.K., 2021. Ethical considerations in research. Journal of Nursing Research, Patient Safety and Practise (JNRPSP), 1(01), pp.1-4.
- Husain, I., 2021. Electric and hybrid vehicles: design fundamentals. CRC press.
- Kamper, S.J., 2020. Types of research questions: descriptive, predictive, or causal. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(8), pp.468-469.
- Mulisa, F., 2022. When Does a Researcher Choose a Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Research Approach?. Interchange, 53(1), pp.113-131.
- Patil, G., Pode, G., Diouf, B. and Pode, R., 2024. Sustainable decarbonization of road transport: Policies, current status, and challenges of electric vehicles. Sustainability, 16(18), p.8058.
- Rout, C., Li, H., Dupont, V. and Wadud, Z., 2022. A comparative total cost of ownership analysis of heavy duty on-road and off-road vehicles powered by hydrogen, electricity, and diesel. Heliyon, 8(12).
- Sanguesa, J.A., Torres-Sanz, V., Garrido, P., Martinez, F.J. and Marquez-Barja, J.M., 2021. A review on electric vehicles: Technologies and challenges. Smart Cities, 4(1), pp.372-404.
- Suri, H., 2020. Ethical considerations of conducting systematic reviews in educational research. Systematic reviews in educational research: Methodology, perspectives and application, pp.41-54.
- Taherdoost, H., 2022. What are different research approaches? Comprehensive Review of Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research, their applications, types, and limitations. Journal of Management Science & Engineering Research, 5(1), pp.53-63.
- Ugoji, K.U., Isaac, O.E., Nkoi, B. and Wofuru-Nyenke, O., 2022. Improving the operational output of marine vessel main engine system through cost reduction using reliability. International Journal of Engineering and Modern Technology (IJEMT), 8(2), pp.36-52.
Online
- Evolution of Car in UK. 2023. Online. Available through: < https://www.bowerspartsonline.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-car-manufacturing-in-britain#:~:text=1896%20%E2%80%93The%20four%2Dwheeled%20petrol,year%20he%20meets%20C.S%20Rolls. >
- EVs are more reliable. 2025. Online. Available through: <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/evs-are-more-reliable-than-people-think-says-new-study/articleshow/108481177.cms?from=mdr >
- EVs drive down carbon emissions. 2025. Online. Available through: <https://www.smmt.co.uk/2024/04/evs-drive-down-carbon-emissions-and-lift-vehicle-ownership-to-record-high/#:~:text=EVs%20drive%20down%20carbon%20emissions%20and%20lift%20vehicle%20ownership%20to%20record%20high,-20%20April%202024&text=Number%20of%20vehicles%20on%20UK,by%20business%20fleets%20into%20EVs