Types of Electric Vehicles: BEVS, HEVS, FCEVS and PHEVS

Posted on: Feb 28, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Types of Electric Vehicles: BEVS, HEVS, FCEVS and PHEVS

The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift with all major as well as small vehicle manufacturers making the transient from internal combustion engine-based vehicles to electric vehicles(EVs). Many people are now beginning to embrace the trend of driving EVs, and with different types of electric vehicles being available in the market, the optionsare plenty.

The EVs are growing as very popular alternatives to traditional cars due to their low costs of operation and no emissions. EVs are propelled by an electric motor powered by batteries, unlike traditional cars with internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels or LPG.

In this changing automotive scene, it is imperative to make sure that these innovative cars are properly covered by electric car insurance.

What Are the Various Types of Electric Cars?

Since the Indian market of electric cars is growing rather rapidly, it’s worth knowing all available categories of EVs, including some of the best electric cars in India. This will help customers make an informed choice.

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

This kind of electric vehicle, commonly referred to as a battery-powered fully electric car is driven by the stored energy in its batteries.This electric vehicle thus does not produce any emissions.Users can recharge the car by connecting it to electrical power.

Most electric vehicles are powered by small, highly energy-consuming rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They normally use an external source that resembles a regular 120-volt outlet as their main supply of electrical energy to charge them. To charge the primary battery, an onboard charger converts incoming AC into DC.

The vehicle’s wheels are powered by an electric traction motor that receives electricity.This method includes a sequence of complicated electrical parts such as an inverter, battery control module, charging port, and drive train. Examples of BEVs are the Tata Nexon EV, Tigor EV, Mahindra e2o PLUS and eVerito, Hyundai KONA, and MG ZS EV.

2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

The other name of the hybrid electric motor is a parallel or conventional hybrid. A HEV is a hybrid of an internal combustion engine, electric motor, and battery pack. The battery packs store the electricity that is converted to power. Unlike pure EVs, the battery pack of an HEV is charged through an IC engine and regenerative braking. The power stored in the battery enables the electric motor to assist the IC enginein many ways such as longer driving range.

There are two types of hybrid electric cars. Mild hybrid electric vehicles are known to have regular internal combustion engines with a battery pack and a small motor. The electric motor supplies the engine with additional power whenever required and can assist auxiliary systems like air conditioning and power steering. Full HEVs operate on an internal combustion engine as well as an electrical motor.

An HEV comprises an internal combustion engine, a electric motor, battery pack, unique transmission system, power control unit, control software, inverter, fuel tank, andregenerative braking system. Examples of HEVs are Toyota Camry Hybrid and Prius Hybrid, MG Hector, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza

3. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

FCEVs are different compared to other electric vehicles. FCEVs use fuel cells, which produce energy through the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, in place of rechargeable batteries. They have to be refuelled at hydrogen charging stations. The fuel cell stack transforms hydrogen fuel into energy, which then charges the battery pack. The car is propelled by one or more electric motors that are powered by the battery pack.

Compared to traditional internal combustion engine cars, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are more efficient and only generate warm air and water vapour as exhaust pollutants. The deployment of FCEVs and the hydrogen infrastructure needed to power them is still in its early phases.

An FCEV is made up of a battery pack, an electric motor or motors, an injector, a control module, a drive train, a fuel cell stack, and a fuel tank. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Tucson FCEV and Nexo, and Riversimple Rasa are a few examples of FCEVS.

4. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

PHEVs are a more sophisticated version of HEVs. They also have an internal combustion engine together with the electric motor. The PHEVs operate on an electric motor until the battery is depleted of energy. After the battery runs out of electricity, it then uses an internal combustion engine. The electric motor is powered by battery which can be recharged unlike HEVs. The battery pack is charged using the internal combustion engine, regenerative braking or the traditional electrical grid.

PHEVs also come with an internal combustion engine, fuel tank, drive train exhaust system electric motor inverter battery pack control module and charging port. PHEVs include Mini Cooper SE Countryman, BMW 330e, Chevy Volt, Ford C-Max Energi and Porsche Cayenne Panamera S hybrid

Electric Car Insurance

When it comes to protecting several kinds of electric vehicles, like BEVs, HEVs, FCEVs, and PHEVs, comprehensive insurance is essential. This specific coverage offers specialised protection by addressing the specific needs of the electric vehicle. As the electric revolution picks up speed, for a smooth and safe driving experience, insurance customised to each kind is becoming more and more important.

Conclusion

Automakers are quickly transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), with several models such as BEVs, HEVs, FCEVs, and PHEVs gaining popularity. Tailored car insurance is essential to guarantee a seamless shift to the electric revolution and address the particular requirements of every kind of vehicle.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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