Types of Electric Cars - A Go-To Guide

Not long from now, automakers will stop producing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of their electric counterparts. In the US, the sale of brand-new gas guzzlers will be banned by 2030 to lessen global carbon emissions. So, your only choice is to buy from the secondhand market or embrace electric mobility altogether. For those driving gasoline engine cars their whole life, switching to EVs seems like a dread, especially if you barely know the ins and outs of charging, electric range, and how driving style can affect how far you can travel.

The good thing is that electric vehicle technology is not black-and-white. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) a.k.a. all-electric vehicles are still the gold standard of zero-emission vehicles, other types of EVs are not fully electric and incorporate elements of gas-powered cars. These hybrid vehicles are the perfect marriage between the environmentally friendly nature of electric power and the reliability of gasoline engines.

Types of Electric Cars

There are five types of electric vehicles available in the market today:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric vehicles that run solely on battery. Unlike regular vehicles, BEVs don’t have a gasoline engine; instead, they have one or more electric motors powered by a rechargeable battery pack. These batteries, usually lithium-ion, have a high energy density which allows for longer driving range and lighter battery packs than compact cars. To keep these vehicles charged and ready for the road, the good EV chargers are essential.

Pure electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and are good for the environment. However, they are limited in terms of driving range and have a longer recharging time compared to refueling conventional vehicles with gasoline. Many new models now offer a range of 200-300 miles or more, helping eliminate range anxiety among new EV drivers. Popular battery electric vehicle models are the Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Image courtesy of Toyota

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have an electric motor and a traditional internal combustion engine. This dual setup allows PHEVs to run on electric energy only for short trips and gasoline for long trips. Typically, PHEVs can go 10-50 miles on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in to extend the range. This setup reduces fuel consumption and emissions for short commutes but still uses gasoline for long trips. Popular plug-in hybrid electric vehicle models are the Chevrolet Volt, BMW 330e, and Toyota Prius Prime.

Range Extended Electric Vehicles (EREVs)

Range Extended Electric Vehicles (EREVs) are similar to PHEVs but with a more electric-focused approach. EREVs have a large battery to power the vehicle and an internal combustion engine as a generator to recharge the battery when it runs low. This setup eliminates range anxiety by allowing the car to continue driving beyond the electric range. Using Level 2 EV chargers can reduce the charging time significantly, allowing drivers to maximize the electric range. Notable EREVs are the BMW i3 Range Extender and Chevrolet Volt.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) have an internal combustion engine and electric motor. However, unlike PHEVs, they cannot be plugged in to recharge the battery. Instead, HEVs charge their batteries through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. This setup provides better fuel economy and lower emissions than gasoline vehicles. HEVs cannot run on electric power alone but reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Popular models are Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) are an alternative to BEVs. Instead of large batteries, FCEVs use a fuel-cell stack to generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen and emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This technology allows hydrogen cars to have a range similar to BEVs, often over 300 miles per refueling. They share the benefits of BEVs such as quiet and smooth operation but have the challenges of a limited number of hydrogen fueling stations and higher cost. There are only about 17,000 hydrogen cars in the US, mostly in California which has a specialized network of fueling stations. Despite the fast refueling, the lack of infrastructure is still the major hurdle to widespread adoption.

Impact on Conventional Cars

Electric cars are redefining traditional cars. Internal combustion engines which have been powering cars for over a century are being phased out. Diesel engines, known for their efficiency but also their higher emissions are being challenged by cleaner electric alternatives. Gas engines are being replaced as manufacturers and consumers switch from conventional fuel to more eco-friendly options. As more drivers transition from conventional gasoline vehicles to electric cars, many start with the basics, using Level 1 EV chargers for their daily charging needs at home. These chargers are easy to install and use, making the switch to electric mobility more accessible for everyone.

Internal Combustion Engine

Internal combustion engines the old standard in cars create power by burning fuel to generate mechanical energy through a series of controlled explosions. Electric motors use electricity from batteries to create power through electromagnetic forces. This means electric motors are more efficient, have fewer moving parts, and produce no tailpipe emissions resulting in less air pollution and a smaller carbon footprint.

Diesel Engine

Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and durability and are used in heavy-duty vehicles. However, they produce more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter and contribute to air pollution. Diesel engines are not used directly in electric vehicles but the trend all electric vehicle is moving towards fully electric solutions as battery technology improves, hybrid is a temporary solution.

Gas Engine

Gasoline engines have powered traditional vehicles for many years by burning gasoline to create power. They emit harmful substances like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which electric motors don’t. Electric motors are more efficient and offer a cleaner alternative by using electricity and reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Petrol Diesel Ban Sale

Several regions are banning new petrol and diesel cars to combat climate change and air pollution. Countries like the UK and Norway plan to ban the sale of these vehicles by 2030 or 2040. These bans will speed up the adoption of electric vehicles and environmental sustainability.

Combustion Engine

Electric cars are killing the demand for combustion engines. This is changing the manufacturing landscape with companies focusing more on electric vehicle technology and less on traditional engines. As the industry evolves, electric vehicles are setting new standards for performance and environmental responsibility, making combustion engines redundant.

Conclusion

The worldwide shift towards e-mobility is not a matter of if but when. Within the decade, we'll see fewer gas-guzzling cars and more quiet, clean, and sustainable EVs plying the roads. However, EV and charging infrastructure is still far from perfect, and if governments don't step in, current infrastructures will be overwhelmed and eventually won't be able to support such an ambitious plan. Other types of electric vehicles aim to fill this void by providing an alternative, albeit lesser environmentally-friendly, to BEVs. EV adapters can provide flexibility for drivers to connect to various charging stations, but a more robust infrastructure is needed to support the growing number of electric vehicles.

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