Types of Electric Vehicles - BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs

When it comes to Electric Vehicles (EVs), the options go well beyond those powered only by batteries.
Car purchasers can now choose from a variety of choices, including those that use fuel cells or combine a gas engine in hybrid and plug-in hybrids.

Table of content

• What is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV)?
• How does an Electric Vehicle work?
• Types of Electric Vehicles
  • What is a Battery Electric Vehicle(BEV)?
  • What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV)?
  • What is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle(PHEV)?
  • What is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle?
• Future Scope of Electric Vehicles (EV)

In this blog, we’ll discuss four varieties of traditional electric vehicles: the standard EV, also known as a Battery-Powered Electric Vehicle (BEV); the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV); the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV)

Let’s first understand;

What is an Electric Vehicle?

An electric vehicle (EV) runs on an electric motor rather than an Internal Combustion Engine(ICE) that creates power by burning a mixture of gases of gasoline.

Such an electric vehicle is considered a potential replacement for current automobiles to solve issues such as pollution, global warming, and decreasing natural resources.

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How does an Electric Vehicle work?

These points explain the working of Electric Vehicles in a Short Note:

When the car’s pedal is pressed, the following occurs;

• The controller collects and manages electricity from batteries and inverters.
• When the controller is activated, the inverter transmits a certain quantity of electrical energy to the motor (according to the depth pressure on the pedal)
• Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by an electric motor (rotation)
• The rotation of the motor rotor turns the gearbox, causing the wheels to revolve and the automobile to move.

Types of Electric Vehicles

There are four types of Electric Vehicles:

1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
2. Hybrid Electric vehicle (HEV)
3. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

What is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)?

A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), sometimes known as an All-Electric Vehicle (AEV), is a vehicle that is driven by a battery and an electric drive train. These EVs do not have an IC Engine.

Electricity is stored in a huge battery pack, which is charged by connecting to the power grid. In turn, the battery pack powers one or more electric motors that power the electric vehicle.

Architecture of BEV

Main Components of BEV:

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

Working Principle of Battery Electric Vehicles

• In an electric motor, power is transformed from the DC battery to the AC.
• The accelerator pedal of such a vehicle is responsible for sending a signal to the controller, which alters the frequency of the AC flowing from the inverter to the motor to control the speed.
• The motor rotates the wheels through a gear.
• When the brakes are applied, the motor transforms into an alternator and generates electricity, which is supplied to the battery.

Examples of Battery Electric Vehicles

These are some examples of BEV:

• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla X
• Toyota Rav4
• BMW i3
• Karma Revera
• Kia Soul

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What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV)?

A hybrid vehicle is also known as a parallel hybrid or normal hybrid.

• Hybrid vehicles are operated by both an internal combustion engine( IC )Engine and an electric motor.
• In these sorts of electric vehicles, the internal combustion(IC) engine is powered by fuel 
• The gasoline engine and electric motor rotate the gearbox, which drives the wheels, at the same time.

Architecture of HEV

Main Components of HEV:

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

Working Principle of Hybrid Electric Vehicles:

• similar to a standard automobile that has a fuel tank that delivers gas to the engine.
• It also contains a battery pack that powers an electric motor.
• Both the engine and the electric motor may turn the gearbox simultaneously.

Examples of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Toyota Prius Hybrid
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Honda Civic Hybrid

What is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?

A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)  is a hybrid vehicle that has both an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and a motor, known as a series hybrid.

Such electric automobile comes with a variety of fuel options. These types of electric vehicles are propelled by a conventional fuel or a rechargeable battery pack.

The battery can be charged by connecting it to an electric car charging station (EVCS).

PHEVs have two modes of operation:

• Allele citric(AC) Mode: In this mode, the motor and battery supply all of the energy for the vehicle.
• Hybrid Mode: In this mode, both electricity and fuel are used.

Some Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles can run for more than 70 miles solely on electricity.

Architecture of PHEV

Main Components of PHEV

• Battery
• Battery Charger (if onboard model)
• Control module
• Electric motor
• Engine
• Fuel tank
• Inverter

Working Principle of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles start in all-electric mode and run on energy until their battery pack is dead.
• When such electric vehicles reach highway cruising speeds of 60 miles/hour or 70 miles/hour, they switch to hybrid mode.
• When the battery runs out, the engine kicks in and the car works as a standard, non-plug-in hybrid.
• PHEV batteries can be charged by an internal combustion engine or regenerative braking, in addition to connecting to an external electric power source.
• During braking, the electric motor functions as a generator, transferring energy to the battery. Because the electric motor supports the engine’s power, smaller engines can be used, enhancing fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Examples of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
• BMW 330e
• Porsche Panamera S E-hybrid
• Mercedes GLE550e
• Hyundai Sonata
• BMW X5 xdrive40e

What is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle?

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), also known as fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) or Zero Emission Vehicles, are electric vehicles that use “Fuel Cell Technology” to create the electricity needed to power the vehicle.

The chemical energy of the gasoline is turned directly into electric energy in this sort of vehicle.

Architecture of FCEV

Main Components of FCEV

• Battery with converter and controller
• Hydrogen storage tank
• Electric motor
• Fuel-cell stack

Working Principle of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

• The operation of a ‘fuel cell’ electric car differs from that of a ‘plug-in’ electric vehicle.
• This sort of electric car exists because the FCEV creates the electricity needed to power the vehicle.

Examples of Fuel cell Electric Vehicles

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

Future Scope of Electric Vehicles (EV)

Electric cars have great future potential. The charging station is the logical starting point for these cars. However, this is merely the first stage in a potentially long trip that will include charging banks and other industrial sites, as well as homes and cities.

As a result, the future potential of electric cars is enormous.

Electric vehicle technology has been at labs such as NASA since the 1970s. In a few years, current technology will undoubtedly be significantly more sophisticated.

Some predict that electric vehicles will soon be able to fuel themselves by gathering energy from their surroundings. Such cars will require less maintenance and may potentially be powered by renewable energy sources such as wind.

Conclusion

Since 1837, we have seen significant improvements in terms of technology and our attitude towards the environment due to the impacts of vehicles. This has led to a boom in the growth and development of electric vehicles, which has also opened various job opportunities in the electric vehicle industry. For professionals looking for jobs in this field, an Electric Vehicle course can provide valuable knowledge and career growth.