The Different Types of Electric Vehicles
Zero emissions and low running costs are making EVs a much-preferred choice. Electric 3-wheelers and other EVs run on an electric motor powered by batteries, unlike conventional vehicles that have internal-combustion engines that run on fossil fuels or are powered by LPG. When choosing an electric three wheeler or any other electric vehicle the choice is not just between an EV and an ICE vehicle. You can further choose from the different types of EVs available.
Potential buyers have four choices to look at when they decide to buy an EV, which are:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
It is now a known fact that EVs do not have an IC engine. BEVs like an electric cargo vehicle have an electric drive train driven by a battery. The vehicle must be plugged into an external power grid to recharge its battery. Additionally, the BEVs recharge via regenerative braking or decelerating too. While braking the motor transforms into an alternator and generates electricity that is returned to the battery. Generally, a BEV can cover 100-250 kms on a single charge. The time taken to charge a BEV depends on the speed of the charging station and the size of the battery. Typically, it can take 30 minutes to 12 hours to recharge a BEV. They can be conveniently charged at home.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
According to The International Technical Committee 69 Hybrid Electric Vehicles are such vehicles that;” use two or more energy sources or storage such that at least one provides electric energy”. They are also called ‘normal hybrid’ or ‘parallel hybrid’. They have both an IC engine as well as an electric motor. Both, the fossil fuel engine as well as the electric motor rotate the transmission simultaneously thereby driving the wheels. An HEV offers a higher range but charging could be a problem as they cannot be charged conveniently at home.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Also known as ‘series hybrid’, the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has both - an ICE and an electric motor. PHEVs can run on conventional fuel like petrol, or an alternative fuel like biodiesel and a rechargeable battery pack. The vehicle’s battery pack can be charged from an external socket on a power grid. If the battery runs out of juice, the IC engine can take over and recharge as well. PHEVs are not as efficient as BEVs but more efficient than HEVs. PHEVs offer better fuel efficiency and performance.
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).
FCEVs are known as ‘Zero-emission vehicles’ as they emit only water vapor and warm air. These vehicles use hydrogen to create the electricity needed to power the vehicle. An electrochemical reaction generates the electricity needed to run the vehicle. Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is the fuel type commonly used. Similar to the IC engine vehicles, the FCEVs can recharge in less than 4 mins and have a driving range of 480 kms.
EVs are showing strong potential. There has been significant development in the technologies used for these vehicles. Charging which was once a major hurdle in the transition has been almost resolved. Vehicles like Altigreen’s neEV TEZ offer a high-range capability and can be charged from 0 to 100% in 15 minutes.
The adoption of EVs promises a pollution-free environment and major savings.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328730566_Overview_of_Electric_Vehicles_EVs_and_EV_Sensors#pf10
- https://e-amrit.niti.gov.in/types-of-electric-vehicles
- https://intellipaat.com/blog/types-of-electric-vehicles/
- https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/fuel_cell.html
