Check Out The Electric Vehicle Types And Their Mechanisms
Modified On Jul 16, 2024 03:17 PM
Let us explore the best revolutionary powertrain innovations and the latest trends in commercial electric vehicle technology. Read on
With the significant developments in the electric mobility solutions sector due to the technological and mechanical advancements in the manufacturing processes, and the integration of cutting-edge tools, the demand for commercial-grade electric trucks and three-wheelers is seeing a growth trend in 2024 which was just an anticipation a few years ago.
Today, electric vehicles particularly e-trucks and e-three-wheelers – the backbone of agricultural, e-commerce and logistical industries are considered one of the most developing sectors due to the developments in the manufacturing process and refinement of powertrain technologies to suit different operating conditions.
Moreover, due to the technological research and developments undertaken to reach the pinnacle of vehicular performance, manufacturers have introduced a variety of revolutionary powertrain innovations. This includes the introduction of multiple electric powertrain configurations. Let’s explore them in detail to understand their mechanisms, Read on:
Related Link: Myths And Facts: Why Electric Three-Wheelers Are The Future Of Last-Mile Logistics In India
Electric Vehicle Types And Their Mechanisms
Electric Vehicle Powertrain 101
Battery Electric Vehicle - BEV
An electric vehicle, solely powered by a battery pack and electric motors without the integration of internal combustion engines (ICE) for propelling the vehicle is called a battery electric vehicle or BEV. As the name suggests, these BEVs are powered by batteries and electric motors alone and all systems onboard the vehicle use the same source for power.
Commercial-grade vehicles such as electric three-wheelers in the L3 and L5N categories use such a powertrain configuration to power the entire vehicle and its onboard systems such as telematics, electronic accessories and other electrical systems. Additionally, such vehicles also get regenerative braking systems to regain the energy lost during operation.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle - HEV
To improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, internal combustion engine-powered vehicles use a unique combination of electric motors and battery packs, also to cumulatively improve vehicular performance in terms of torque output. Such vehicles are referred to as HEVs or hybrid electric vehicles.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles - PHEV
Like a hybrid electric vehicle or HEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle PHEV also utilises electric motors, a battery pack and an internal combustion engine. However, in a PHEV, the operator can completely propel the vehicle on either the electric powertrain system or the internal combustion system by switching off either one of the systems.
This means that a PHEV can be driven using either electric power alone or on conventional fuel like petrol alone based on the operator’s convenience. Further, drivers can also use the two systems simultaneously to power the vehicle for top-class performance output.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle - FCEV
Fuel cell electric vehicles are referred to as zero-emission vehicles in the electric vehicle segment due to their unique powertrain system that uses fuel cell technology - utilising hydrogen as a fuel to propel the vehicle. A chemical reaction allows for the generation of energy that the system can utilise to create charge onboard the vehicle, in the system. This system eliminates the need to recharge the battery pack using external charging systems.
Conclusion: The Best Electric Vehicle Powertrain System?
Electric vehicles are the future of mobility due to several factors and powertrain characteristics that we have discussed. They help reduce carbon emissions and improve vehicular performance, at the same time, ensuring a win-win situation for both operators and automakers while benefitting the global sustainability plans.
But, certain challenges come with each powertrain system that acts as a boon in many ways – one of which is emissions from plug-in hybrid vehicles – although they are quite minimal. Furthermore, when considering other systems such as battery electric, there are problems such as mining for lithium sources and the use of diesel-powered heavy equipment in the process causing environmental concerns.
However, like everything that exists on earth, there are positives and negatives and the wavelength between them must be considered to understand how electric vehicles can truly benefit the environment and meet the logistical criteria to help the haulage sector. By reducing emissions – although their raw sources are a concern – they do benefit the environment.
So, now comes the question as to which system is the best. According to many industry experts, hybrid vehicles are the way to reduce emissions to a particular extent and battery-electric vehicles are truly the most appropriate means to meet zero emissions goals since this is the most viable option due to the significant developments in the technology.
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