Vehicle Types: ICE, Hybrid, PHEV, and EV

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by

Ciaran
in

There are four main types of vehicles on the road today. These are Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles, Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle, and Electric Vehicles.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are the traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars that have been the dominant form of personal transportation for over a century. They operate by burning fuel within an internal combustion engine to generate power. Here’s how they work:

  1. Fuel Combustion: ICE vehicles rely on the combustion of gasoline or diesel fuel within an engine. The fuel is mixed with air and ignited, producing controlled explosions that drive pistons within the engine.
  2. Power Transmission: The energy generated from these explosions is converted into mechanical power, which is then transmitted to the vehicle’s wheels through a transmission system. This mechanical power propels the vehicle forward.
  3. Exhaust Emissions: ICE vehicles produce exhaust emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  4. Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency varies depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and driving conditions. Advances in technology have improved fuel efficiency over the years, but ICE vehicles still rely on non-renewable fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are energy dense but in the combustion process a lot of this energy is lost via heat.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a small battery. They are designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by leveraging both petrol (gasoline) power and electric power. Here’s how they work:

  1. Dual Power Sources: HEVs have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor assists the engine during acceleration and low-speed driving, reducing the need for the engine to work as hard.
  2. Regenerative Braking: HEVs use regenerative braking to capture energy during braking. This energy is converted into electricity and stored in the battery for later use.
  3. Fuel Efficiency: HEVs typically achieve better fuel efficiency than traditional ICE vehicles, especially in stop-and-go city driving. They also produce fewer emissions due to their reliance on electric power.
  4. No Plug-in Charging: Unlike Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicles, HEVs cannot be charged by plugging them in to a power source. They generate their electricity through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine.

Hybrid vehicles have been used as a stepping stone from ICE to Electric vehicles by the automotive industry.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are a variation of hybrid vehicles that can be charged via a plug. They offer a greater electric-only driving range compared to standard HEVs. Here’s how PHEVs work:

  1. Dual Power Sources: Like HEVs, PHEVs have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. However, PHEVs have a larger battery that can be charged externally.
  2. Electric-Only Mode: PHEVs can operate in electric-only mode for a specified distance, which varies depending on the vehicle model. When the electric charge is depleted, they switch to hybrid mode, using both the engine and the electric motor.
  3. Plug-in Charging: PHEVs can be charged by plugging them into an electric outlet or a charging station. This allows drivers to rely more on electricity for daily commuting, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
  4. Reduced Emissions: PHEVs offer a compromise between the convenience of gasoline and the environmental benefits of electric power, making them a transition option for those not ready to switch to fully electric vehicles.

PHEVs can travel approx. 20-80km on battery alone. Like hybrid vehicles these have also been used by the automotive industry as a stepping stone to fully electric vehicles.

Electric Vehicle (EV)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric cars that rely solely on electricity to power an electric motor. They do not have an internal combustion engine. Here’s how they work:

  1. Electric Motor: BEVs are equipped with an electric motor powered by a large battery pack. The electric motor drives the vehicle’s wheels.
  2. Charging: BEVs are charged by plugging them into an electric outlet or a charging station. Charging times vary depending on the charger’s power and the vehicle’s battery capacity.
  3. Zero Tailpipe Emissions: BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option. They contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  4. Range Limitation: The range of BEVs depends on the battery’s capacity. While many modern BEVs offer impressive ranges, they may require planning for longer trips and access to charging infrastructure.

Quiet and Smooth: BEVs provide a quiet and smooth driving experience due to the absence of engine noise and vibrations.