Exploring the four types of electric vehicles

Growth of electric vehicles has been exponential in recent years.There are different types of electric vehicles (EVs) because they cater to a variety of needs and preferences.The different EV types provide options for drivers with varying priorities.This article will focus on different types of electric vehicles.

Four types of electric vehicles

Battery electric vehicle-Battery electric vehicle is all called as only electric/fully electric /all electric vehicle.They are fully powered by electricity.BEVs are a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion.They exclusively uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs, with no secondary source of propulsion (a hydrogen fuel cell, internal combustion engine). They derive all power from battery packs and thus have no internal combustion engine, fuel cell, or fuel tank.The electricity used to drive the vehicle is stored in a large battery pack which can be charged by plugging into the electricity grid. The charged battery pack then provides power to one or more electric motors to run the electric car.

BEV examples

MG ZS, TATA Nexon, TATA Tigor, Mahindra E20 plus, Hyundai Kona, Mahindra Verito

Main parts of BEV

Electric motor, Inverter, Battery, Control Module, Drive train

Working

The power for the electric motor is converted from the DC to AC. As the accelerator is pressed, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the vehicle by changing the frequency of the AC power from the inverter to the motor. The motor then connects and leads to the turning of wheels through a cog. If the brakes are pressed, or the electric car is decelerating, the motor becomes an alternator and produces power, which is sent back to the battery

Plug in hybrid electric vehicles PHEV

They have both engine and a motor. You can choose among the fuels, conventional fuel (such as petrol) or alternative fuel (such as bio-diesel). It can also be powered by a rechargeable battery pack. The battery can be charged externally. PHEV can run in two modes

All-electric Mode, in which the motor and battery provide all the car’s energy

Hybrid Mode, in which both electricity and petrol/diesel are employed.

PHEV examples

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, BMW 330e, Porsche Panamera S E-hybrid, Chevy Volt, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford C-Max Energi, Mercedes C350e, Mercedes S550e, Mercedes GLE550e, Mini Cooper SE Countryman, Ford Fusion Energi, Audi A3 E-Tron, BMW i8, BMW X5 xdrive40e, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volvo XC90 T8.

Main parts of PHEV

Electric motor, Engine, Inverter, Battery, Fuel tank, Control module, Battery Charger

Working

PHEV runs in all electric mode until its battery pack is depleted.

Engine takes over ones battery gets drained. The vehicle operates as a conventional, non-plug-in hybrid,when battery drains.PHEVs can be charged by plugging into an outside electric power source, engine, or regenerative braking. When brakes are applied, the electric motor acts as a generator, using the energy to charge the battery. The engine’s power is supplemented by the electric motor; as a result, smaller engines can be used, increasing the car’s fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
Hybrid electric vehicle HEV

HEVs have both engine and electric motor. HEVs are also known as series hybrid or parallel hybrid. The engine gets energy from fuel, and the motor gets electricity from batteries. The transmission is rotated simultaneously by both engine and electric motor. This then drives the wheels.

HEV examples

Honda City e:HEV, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the recently launched Toyota Innova Hycross.

HEV main parts

Engine, Electric motor, Battery pack with controller & inverter, Fuel tank, Control module

Working

The fuel tank supplies energy to the engine like a regular car. The batteries run on an electric motor. Both the engine and electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time.
 

Fuel cell electric vehicle FCEV

FCEVs are also known as Zero-Emission Vehicles. They employ ‘fuel cell technology’ to generate the electricity required to run the vehicle. The chemical energy of the fuel is converted directly into electric energy.FCEVs rely on hydrogen gas stored in onboard tanks as fuel.FCEVs are similar to BEVs in that they use electric motors for propulsion.FCEVs generate their electricity on-board using hydrogen fuel and a fuel cell stack.

FCEV Examples

Toyota Mirai, Riversimple Rasa, Hyundai Tucson FCEV, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo.

Main parts of FCEV

Electric motor, Fuel-cell stack, Hydrogen storage tank, battery with converter and controller

Working

The core of an FCEV is the fuel cell stack.The electricity generated by the fuel cell stack powers the electric motor, which propels the vehicle.

Summing Up

In essence, the different EV types provide options for drivers with varying priorities. As battery technology advances and charging infrastructure expands, we can expect BEVs to become even more attractive.On the other hand PHEVs are likely to be a niche player in the electric vehicle market.This will depend on advancements in battery technology, the tightening of emission regulations, consumer preferences, and government policies.