The Future is here with Electric Vehicles: Types of Electric Vehicles

In India, electric vehicles, or EVs, are rapidly becoming more and more popular. According to the Government of India’s Vahan portal, the country sold one million (10 lakh) EVs in 2023, highlighting the market’s acceptance of EVs. Electric Vehicles are usually powered by electric batteries, although some types of electric cars also use an electric motor in conjunction with other power sources. 

So if you want to buy a new car or intend to improve your current car, OLX advises you to read on to discover the various types of electric vehicles for an informed choice. 

Different types of electric vehicles available in the market:-

• Battery Electric Vehicles, or BEVs

They don’t have internal combustion (IC) engines that run on petrol or diesel; instead, they are entirely powered by electric batteries.

• Hybrid electric vehicles, or HEVs 

They support internal combustion engines with an electric motor.

• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, or FCEVs

They power the car using fuel cell technology, with a battery pack and chemical energy (oxygen and hydrogen). 

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or PHEVs

Despite having a larger battery pack and electric motor, they are comparable to HEVs.

Let’s understand them more deeply!

BEVs, or all-electric vehicles

All-electric cars, also known as Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), run entirely on electricity. These electric car types store energy in a sizable battery pack, which is then used to power the vehicle. 

Benefits of Fully Electric Vehicles:

• They are eco-friendly since they emit no emissions.
• Less expensive to operate than conventional gasoline-powered automobiles.
• A peaceful driving experience and impressive acceleration.

Popular Models of All-Electric Vehicles

The Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt EV are some of the most well-known all-electric vehicles available.

Electric Hybrid Vehicles

Electric motors and internal combustion engines are combined in hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel economy is increased when the electric motor helps the engine accelerate and decelerate. 

Benefits of Electric Hybrid Vehicles

• Regenerative braking, which recharges the battery while driving, is one of the features of hybrid cars.
• During acceleration, an electric motor supplies extra power.
• Benefits of Hybrid Automobiles
• Reduced pollutants and improved fuel economy when compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
• Widely accessible in a range of models and sizes.

Popular Models

The Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Toyota Prius are notable examples of hybrid electric vehicles.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles 

Fuel-cell electric vehicles are also referred to as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This type of EV vehicle produces electricity by using hydrogen gas and oxygen. The car is propelled by an electric motor that is powered by this electricity. Hydrogen is converted into power by a stack of fuel cells. Since water vapor is the only byproduct, there are no emissions.

Benefits of Fuel Cell Automobiles

• Quicker time for refilling than battery-electric cars. 
• A greater driving range makes it appropriate for long-distance driving. 

Popular Models

Despite the fact that fuel cell vehicles are still relatively new, the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are noteworthy models.

PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Internal combustion engines and electric motors are combined in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs. For shorter distances, these cars can run solely on electricity; the combustion engine kicks in when the battery runs low. PHEVs are another type of electric car and a few features of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are as follows:

Benefits of PHEVs

• More adaptability and longer journeys using the combustion engine.
• For people who are not yet prepared for a completely electric car, this is a transition option.

How PHEVs Operate:

Longer range on electricity alone because of a larger battery pack than standard hybrids.

When the battery charge is exhausted, the internal combustion engine takes over.

Popular models

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW i3 Rex, and Toyota Prius Prime are a few well-known plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Electric Vehicles

Each car may have its own benefits and drawbacks. So we suggest evaluating the pros and cons of electric cars before making a purchase. The list is mentioned below.

Benefits 

• Electric cars have the advantage of significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to create a cleaner environment.
• Reduced operating expenses because electricity is typically less expensive than petrol and diesel.
• Peaceful and comfortable driving.

Drawbacks:

• The fear of the battery dying on the way is known as range anxiety.
• For charging infrastructure to be widely used, more work must be done.
• Compared to conventional cars, electric vehicles may initially cost more.

Things to Look for When Buying an Electric Vehicle

There are a number of factors to think about when buying an electric vehicle:

• Driving Habits: Examine daily driving trends to see if the range of an electric vehicle meets your demands.
• Charging Options: Take into account whether there are charging outlets nearby. Evaluate the availability of public charging stations, workplace charging stations, and home charging stations. Recognize the various connector types and charging speeds.
• Budget and Total Cost of Ownership: Consider possible fuel and maintenance cost reductions in addition to the vehicle’s initial purchase price. Examine your options for warranties, tax credits, and incentives.

Also read about Xiaomi SU7 Electric Vehicle

Key Takeaway 

Electric cars provide economical and environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional gasoline-powered automobiles, completely transforming the automotive sector. Each type of electric car comes with its own set of benefits and features. By keeping your driving requirements and sustainability in mind, you can make an informed decision. Embrace the transportation of the future and help make the earth greener and cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which auto insurance is appropriate for electric cars? 

For automobiles, a third-party auto insurance policy is required. Nevertheless, it excludes coverage for EV damage. Because it covers both the insured vehicle and third-party liabilities, choose the Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policy for electric vehicles.

Are carbon emissions from electric vehicles zero?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not zero-emission vehicles but they are more eco-friendly than the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The carbon footprint of an EV is majorly affected by how the electricity used to charge it is generated. For instance, in regions where electricity comes from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, the emissions associated with charging EVs can be close to zero.

What are a few disadvantages of electric cars?

Slow charging and a greater purchase price than automobiles with internal combustion engines are two drawbacks of fully electric vehicles.

What is the duration required to charge an electric car?

There are various factors that affect the charging of EVs, including the type of vehicle, the charging apparatus, the power source, battery size, and others. The average time to charge an EV ranges from 30 minutes to as much as 12 hours. 

Are electric cars secure? Are they flammable?

EVs are generally secured and subject to the same safety standards as fuel-powered vehicles. While EV batteries can be flammable under certain circumstances, they are no more prone to fires than fuel-powered cars, and the risks associated with them are well-manageable. As with any vehicle, ensuring maintenance and careful driving is important for overall safety.