Electric vehicle (EV) options today go beyond battery-powered cars.
Types of electric vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV).
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Overview
Also known as all-electric vehicles.
Powered solely by battery; no gasoline.
Battery pack charged via the electricity grid.
Charging options: Home (Level 1 or 2), Commercial (Level 3).
Components
Electric motor
Inverter
Battery
Control module
Function
DC from battery converted to AC.
Speed controlled by adjusting AC power frequency.
Regenerative braking converts motor into an alternator to charge the battery.
Advantages
Simplistic construction and operation.
No greenhouse gases, no noise pollution.
High energy efficiency (80% energy conversion).
Convenient and easy charging at home.
Features
No emissions
Not dependent on oil
Cost-effective and low maintenance
Easy to drive
Disadvantages
Limited recharging points
Short driving range and lower speed
Long recharge times
High initial cost
Examples
Tesla Model 3
Renault Zoe
Volkswagen e-Golf
Nissan Leaf
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Overview
Known as series hybrid, parallel hybrid, or series-parallel hybrid.
Combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor.
Battery charged by regenerative braking and ICE.
Types
Micro/Mild hybrid: Cannot run solely on electric power; maximizes fuel economy by shutting off ICE during stops.
Full hybrid: Can move using electricity alone for short distances.
Series hybrid: ICE drives a generator, not the wheels. Powers motor and charges battery.
Parallel hybrid: Both ICE and motor propel the wheels.
Series-parallel hybrid: ICE and motor can work alone or in tandem.
Components
Engine
Electric motor
Battery pack (with controller and inverter)
Fuel tank
Power electronics
Function
Fuel tank supplies energy to the engine.
Batteries power the electric motor.
Combines ICE and electric motor to run the transmission.
Regenerative braking recharges the battery.
Advantages
Environmentally friendly
Smaller engines due to electric motor assistance
Higher resale value
Disadvantages
Less power
Expensive
Poor handling
Costly battery replacement
Examples
Toyota Prius
BMW X545e
Kia Niro
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Overview
Known as series hybrids.
Combination of an ICE and a battery-powered electric motor.
Can decrease gas usage by up to 60%.
Runs in all-electric mode or hybrid mode.
Components
Electric motor
Engine
Battery
Power electronics
Fuel tank
Charger (if on-board)
Function
Starts in all-electric mode; uses electricity until battery depletes.
Switches to ICE when battery is depleted.
Charged by external source, engine, or regenerative braking.
Advantages
Zero emissions when driving on batteries
Fuel-efficient in traffic
Smooth and quiet operation
Reduced fuel bills
Disadvantages
Expensive
Complex to maintain
Battery life concerns
Uncertain resale value
Examples
Chevy Volt
BMW 330e
Ford Fusion Energi
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
Overview
Also known as zero-emission vehicles.
Use fuel cell technology powered by hydrogen to generate electricity.
Components
Electric motor
Fuel cell stack
Hydrogen storage tank
Battery (with converter and controller)
Power electronics controller
Function
Convert chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy.
Hydrogen refill comparable to the time taken to fill gasoline.
Concerns over hydrogen infrastructure and safety.
Advantages
Zero emissions
Efficient and fast refueling
Disadvantages
Scarce hydrogen refueling stations
Safety concerns (flammability of hydrogen)
High overall costs and complex storage
Examples
Toyota Mirai
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
Hyundai Nexo
Summary
BEVs: Fully powered by electricity, highly efficient.
HEVs: Combines ICE and electric motor, not as efficient as BEVs or PHEVs.
PHEVs: Combines ICE and external-charged battery, more efficient than HEVs but less than BEVs.
FCEVs: Generate electricity from hydrogen, efficient but infrastructure lacking.