#TIL: Under the hood — EVs, Hybrids & ICE
by Shilpi Samantray
If you have been following the EV space, chances are you’ve been intimidated by a flurry of complex sounding acronyms— EVs, BEVs, PHEVs, ICE, so on and so forth. Here’s a helpful reference to de-mystify the most common keywords that are used when describing various low emission vehicles.
Conventional vehicles (ICE): These use internal combustion engines to run and are also known as ICE vehicles. These are easy to refuel, give a long range but the fuel cost is high and are most polluting of all vehicles.
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): These are powered by both — a combustion engine and an electric motor. The combustion engine drives the wheels and is backed up by an electric motor powered by a battery pack. The battery of the electric motor is charged by the engine when the vehicle is running. The car alternates between the two to maximize its efficiency. These can be fuelled at gas stations. The emission released is lower as compared to ICE vehicles.
Plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): The battery here can be charged both internally (through the engine) and externally through outlets. These run on electric power before switching to the engine. These can be fuelled at gas stations and can be charged at home/public charging stations/ workplaces. The emission released is even less, when compared to HEVs.
All electric vehicles/ Battery operated Electric Vehicle (BEVs): These are powered by an electric motor with no engine. These have a large traction battery and are plugged externally to charge. These can be charged at home, public charging stations and workplaces. For lighter vehicles like two and three wheelers where it is comparatively easy to move the battery, the battery can also be swapped thus reducing charge time. These vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions.
Today I learnt (TIL) is a weekly series by OMI that brings you interesting nuggets of information that you didn’t know you needed.
