Introduction
Imagine cruising down the city streets in a sleek, silent vehicle that emits zero fumes, trailing an aura of environmental consciousness. Sounds like a dream? Well, that's what Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer - a tangible, accessible, eco-friendly dream on wheels.
As per the Government of India’s Vahan portal, India clocked a whopping 1 million sales of EV units in 2022. These figures testify to the growing acceptance of EVs among Indian consumers. But what is an electric vehicle or an 'EV vehicle'? If it's on your car shopping list, it is essential to learn about the various EV categories to make an informed decision. In this article, we will have a look at different types of electric vehicles.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), often referred to as pure EVs, are energised entirely by rechargeable battery packs; no Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is involved. This is one of the most popular types of EV out there in the market. When you plug in a BEV to charge, the electricity stored in its battery pack empowers one or more electric motors that drive the wheels - pure and simple!
Here's a quick peek into some BEV components:
- Battery pack
- Electric motor(s)
- Inverter
- Control module
- Drive train
- Charge port
So next time when someone asks you What is an electric vehicle?, simply say - it's a BEV!
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Now that you have understood what is an electric vehicle, let's dive into HEVs. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are automotive chameleons. They can tap into both an ICE and an electric motor powered by a battery pack. The key distinguishing factor of HEVs is their dual power sources - IC engine and electric motor.
There are two main types of hybrid electric vehicles:
1. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): MHEVs combine a traditional internal combustion engine with a small electric motor and battery pack for additional power to the engine and auxiliary systems.
2. Full Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FHEVs): These HEVs rely on both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. FHEVs are a very popular type of hybrid electric vehicle in many countries.
Key Components of HEVs
- Internal Combustion Engine
- Electric motor(s)
- Battery pack
- Inverter
- Control module
- Drive train
- Fuel tank
- Charge port
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Imagine a hybrid electric vehicle that you can plug in to recharge - voila, you have a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)! PHEVs are like beefed-up versions of standard HEVs with larger battery packs and more powerful electric motors.
PHEVs can operate in two modes:
1. All-electric mode: The vehicle is driven exclusively by the electric motor.
2. Hybrid mode: The internal combustion engine and the electric motor work together.
Components of PHEVs
- Internal combustion engine
- Electric motor(s)
- Battery pack
- Inverter
- Control module
- Drive train
- Fuel tank
- Charge port
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), also known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, use a unique mechanism to generate power. They convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity, which charges their battery packs. Unlike standard BEVs, FCEVs can be refuelled with hydrogen in a matter of minutes. The shorter refuelling time makes it one of the favourite types of EVs.
Key Components of FCEVs
- Battery pack
- Electric motor(s)
- Inverter
- Control module
- Drive train
- Fuel cell stack
- Fuel tank
Pros and cons of EVs
While EV vehicles offer numerous benefits, they do come with a few challenges:
EV Advantages | EV Disadvantages |
Lower operating costs | High upfront cost |
Zero tailpipe emissions | Limited driving range |
Quiet operation | Developing charging infrastructure |
Things to consider while choosing an EV
Now that you have an idea of what is an electric vehicle and different types of electric vehicles, let us look at some of the things you should consider while choosing an EV.
1. Driving Habits: Assess your daily driving distances and understand if an EV vehicle's range suits your needs.
2. Charging Options: Consider the availability of home charging facilities or nearby charging stations.
3. Budget and Total Cost of Ownership: Think about the total cost of owning an EV vehicle, including potential savings in fuel and maintenance costs over time.
Conclusion
The journey towards reducing our carbon footprint begins with informed choices like opting for electric mobility. And who knows better than Quiklyz - we've got you covered with a comprehensive line-up of EV vehicle options for hassle - free subscriptions! With Quiklyz, you can subscribe to a car registered in your name in just 4 steps & have your dream car delivered to your doorstep! Without any down payment, your Quiklyz subscription also includes insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs.
So get ready to embark on a cleaner, greener ride!
