Know about four type of Electric Vehicles if you are planning to buy one

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming the future of transportation in India. With the government’s push to reduce emissions and fossil fuel reliance, EVs are gaining popularity. According to the Government of India’s Vahan portal, over 1 million electric vehicles were sold in 2022, marking a significant milestone in India’s electric mobility journey. The shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric ones is environmentally friendly and cost-effective due to savings on fuel and maintenance.

Mostelectric batteries power most EVs, but some models combine electric motors with other power sources. These EVs cater to varying needs, driving conditions, and preferences. Whether you’re buying your first electric vehicle or upgrading, understand the types available. India’s electric vehicle market includes fully battery-powered cars to hybrids offering electric and fuel-based driving.

The push for EV adoption in India faces challenges, including the need for better charging infrastructure and affordability. Government incentives, like tax breaks for Battery Electric vehicles (BEVs), have made EVs more accessible, but hurdles remain in expanding the public charging network. While BEVs dominate, other types—Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell electric Vehicles (FCEVs)—offer advantages based on individual needs and infrastructure.

If you’re considering switching to an EV or upgrading your vehicle, understanding the types of electric vehicles available is crucial. This guide will cover the four main types of EVs to help you make an informed decision.

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, are entirely electric vehicles that run solely on a rechargeable battery pack. They have no internal combustion engine (ICE), and all their energy comes from electricity stored in large battery packs. BEVs are the most straightforward form of EVs, and they are what people think of when they hear "electric car."

Components of BEVs:

• Battery Pack: Stores electricity to power the vehicle.
• Electric Motors: Use the electricity from the battery to drive the car.
• Inverter: Converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motors.
• Control Module: Manages the electrical flow and ensures the proper function of the vehicle.
• Drive Train: Transfers power from the electric motors to the wheels.
• Charge Port: Connects to external power sources for battery recharging.

How BEVs Work

The battery pack in a BEV powers the electric motor(s), which move the vehicle's wheels. When the driver presses the accelerator, the energy from the battery is converted into mechanical power that propels the vehicle. Additionally, BEVs benefit from regenerative braking, where energy is recovered during braking and used to recharge the battery, extending the driving range.

Examples of BEVs in India:

• Tata Nexon EV
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Tata Tiago EV
• MG ZS EV
• Kia EV6
• BMW iX

2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor. Unlike BEVs, HEVs don't require external charging. Their battery is charged through regenerative braking and the engine, making them attractive for those concerned about charging infrastructure.

HEVs offer two main types:

• Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): These vehicles use a small electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine, often for short bursts of power or to run auxiliary systems like power steering.
• Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEVs): These can run on the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both.

Components of HEVs:

• Internal Combustion Engine: Provides conventional power using petrol or diesel.
• Electric Motor: Assists the engine and sometimes powers the vehicle on its own.
• Battery Pack: Stores electricity to run the electric motor.
• Inverter, Control Module, and Drive Train: Similar to BEVs, these components regulate electrical power and transfer it to the wheels.
• Fuel Tank: Stores fuel for the internal combustion engine.

How HEVs Work

The electric motor and the internal combustion engine in HEVs work together to enhance fuel efficiency. When the car is moving at low speeds or idling, the electric motor powers the vehicle, but at higher speeds, the internal combustion engine takes over. Some HEVs also feature regenerative braking, allowing the battery to recharge while the vehicle is in motion.

Examples of HEVs in India:

• Toyota Prius
• Honda City eHEV
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are an advanced form of HEVs. Like traditional hybrids, PHEVs combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. However, PHEVs have a larger battery pack, which can be charged via an external power source, much like BEVs.

Components of PHEVs:

• Internal Combustion Engine: Drives the car once the battery runs low.
• Electric Motor: Drives the car on short trips using electricity stored in the battery.
• Battery Pack: Larger than in HEVs, it can be charged externally.
• Fuel Tank and Exhaust System: Required for the internal combustion engine.
• Inverter, Control Module, Drive Train: These help convert and manage power for the car.

How PHEVs Work

PHEVs can operate in two modes:

• All-electric Mode: The electric motor powers the car for shorter journeys.
• Hybrid Mode: The vehicle switches between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine based on the driving conditions and battery charge.

PHEVs provide the flexibility of running solely on electric power for short distances, usually around 40-60 kilometers, before the internal combustion engine kicks in. As a result, PHEVs are a great choice for people who commute over shorter distances every day but need an internal combustion engine's extended range for longer trips.

Examples of PHEVs in India:

• Volvo XC90 Recharge
• BMW 7 Series
• Porsche Cayenne
• Toyota RAV4

4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), also known as Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs), generate electricity using hydrogen fuel. They are often considered one of the most promising technologies for zero-emission vehicles because they only emit water vapor as a byproduct.

Components of FCEVs:

• Fuel Cell Stack: Generates electricity from hydrogen.
• Hydrogen Fuel Tank: Stores hydrogen gas.
• Battery pack: Stores the electricity that the fuel cell produces.
• Electric Motor: Powers the vehicle.
• Inverter, Control Module, and Drive Train: Manage power conversion and transfer to the wheels.

How FCEVs Work

FCEVs store hydrogen in high-pressure tanks, and the fuel cell stack converts it into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. The electricity powers the electric motor, driving the vehicle. This process produces no harmful emissions, only water and heat.

FCEVs offer quick refueling times like gasoline vehicles, but face challenges due to limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Examples of FCEVs:

• Toyota Mirai
• Hyundai Nexo
• Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Understanding BEVs, HEVs, PHEVs, and FCEVs will help you choose the best one for your lifestyle, driving needs, and local infrastructure. Each has its strengths, and with India's focus on electric mobility, it's a great time to explore going electric.

Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.

Keep Reading

Part 1: Cloudburst  in Ganderbal's Padabal village & unfulfilled promises