List of Types of Electric Cars and Their Features

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Battery electric vehicles have revolutionised how a car drives, making it eco-friendly and easier than ever. These cars use a rechargeable battery that powers an electric engine. Thanks to their regenerative braking and low-rolling resistance tyres, they have a higher fuel efficiency with zero carbon emissions.

BEVs are the most popular types of electric cars due to their attractive design, advanced technology, and high affordability. Whether you are looking for a commuter car or a luxury four-wheeler, these vehicles are highly energy-efficient and better performing. Some BEVs also have all-wheel drive systems for enhanced convenience. The primary components of a BEV include a battery pack, electric motor, inverter, control module, drive train, and charge port. When the battery sends power to the motor, it propels the wheels to drive the vehicle.

Benefits of BEV

• Improved traction even in snow 
• Increased horsepower and enhanced performance 
• Limited range 
• Smaller sizes providing more freedom to designers 
• Takes a long time to charge

Drawbacks of BEV

• Demand an auxiliary engine
• All electric components may not work together perfectly 
• Needs frequent tuning 

Also Read: 10 Second Hand Electric Cars in India

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A PHEV has an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. While the former receives power from a chargeable battery, the latter (engine) works on fuel. Usually, these electric vehicles have bigger, more powerful electric motors than standard HEVs. A PHEV can run in two modes: 

• All-electric mode
• Hybrid mode

Major components of a PHEV include an internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery pack, inverter, control module, drive train, fuel tank, charge port, and exhaust system. It uses an electric motor to drive the car until the battery discharges. Once the battery is out of power, the internal combustion engine takes over to drive the vehicle. 

Benefits of PHEV

• Reduced carbon emissions from the tailpipe 
• High fuel efficiency for short travels
• Reduced tax implications
• No tension about the driving range 
• Easy transition from electric to internal combustion engine

Drawbacks of PHEV

• Expensive price range
• High maintenance costs 
• Poor fuel efficiency for long journeys
• Still need fossil fuel for operation

Also Read: Electric Car Vs Petrol Car - Which One Is Better For You?

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles incorporate the best of both worlds – an electric motor’s efficiency and a gasoline engine’s convenience. These are the most common types of electric vehicles available in India today, as they come in various models to suit everyone’s needs. Their ability to change fuel sources makes them more fuel-efficient than internal combustion engines.

Owners can get more power from their battery charge by changing over to the combustion engine when required. That means you will never run out of power or stop at charging stations, even on longer trips. Besides, these vehicles have less maintenance needs since they do not rely on batteries alone.

Benefits of HEV

• High fuel economy
• Less maintenance needs 
• Lightweight construction reduces energy consumption to make the car highly fuel-efficient
• Simple mechanisms and fewer parts make them reliable commuting vehicles
• Good resale value

Drawbacks of HEV

• High upfront costs
• Bigger insurance premiums
• Improved performance with less fuel consumption
• Two engines make handling cumbersome
• Battery replacement is expensive

Also Read: Top Electric Vehicles to Save Money

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

MHEVs are the milder version of Hybrid Electric Vehicles. They primarily use conventional internal combustion engines with a very small battery pack and electric motor. Their main purpose is to provide additional power to the car’s motor and auxiliary systems like the air conditioner and power steering. 

Their major components include the internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery pack, inverter, control module, drive train, fuel tank, and charge port.

Benefits of MHEV

• Better fuel economy
• Easy transition
• Fewer CO2 emissions
• No need to modify your driving style
• Advanced technology 

Drawbacks of MHEV

• High price
• If the battery is located under the foot or beneath the rear seats, it may consume a lot of legroom and boot space. 

Also Read: Things to Know About Buying A Used Car In India

Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV)

RE-EVs are high-powered electric vehicles in India most suitable for long-range journeys. These vehicles combine the power of a battery with a range extender like a diesel or gasoline motor. It supports longer distance journeys than purely battery-powered electric vehicles. As you operate the vehicle, you can use the charging infrastructure to recharge when required, providing greater peace of mind on long-distance trips.

Benefits of RE-EV

• High cost-efficiency
• Supreme battery performance
• Better range capabilities
• Less maintenance needs due to fewer parts involved
• Fewer carbon emissions 
• Best noise reduction

Drawbacks of RE-EV

• No connection between the engine and the wheels
• The engine works only when the battery is charged
• Additional noise and vibration

Also Read: Top 10 Best Used Cars Under 6 Lakhs in 2023

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles harness the power of hydrogen fuel cells to provide next-level eco-friendly operation. These are the most advanced types of electric cars available in the market. They produce electricity from stored oxygen and hydrogen to power the motor without any noise and emissions. The tanks storing hydrogen provide maximum efficiency, keeping them lightweight and long-lasting.

FCEVs are the best electric cars, supporting greener transportation and more environmental benefits than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Moreover, since these vehicles utilise renewable resources rather than fossil fuels, they maintain an ever-growing circle of eco-friendly living practices.

Benefits of FCEV

• High-value performance 
• Supreme sustainability 
• Short fuelling time
• Incentives like tax credits

Drawbacks of FCEV

• Expensive price range
• High maintenance costs 
• Limited filling stations
• Fuel comes from non-eco-friendly resources

Also Read: Top 10 Best Used Cars Under 5 Lakhs in 2023

Conclusion

This is a basic introduction to the different types of electric cars you may consider buying one to replace your petrol or diesel car. Are you ready to make the switch? Select from a wide range of electric vehicles in India using this breakdown. If the new EV cost is beyond your budget, consider buying a pre-owned car. You can even finance its purchase with a Used Car Loan from Hero FinCorp and cover up to 175% (up to Rs 50 Lakh) of its cost. Hero FinCorp offers the best Used Car Loan interest rates, starting at 13.5% p.a., to make your purchase affordable and EMIs easily manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the common misconceptions about different types of electric cars?

Some misconceptions about different types of electric vehicles include: they are extremely expensive, they have low power, they take several hours to charge, they are only good for short travels, EV batteries may explode, etc. These might have been true a decade earlier. But with several advancements in the EV industry, the latest models are cost-effective, safe, powerful, and suitable for long travels and charge quickly.

2. What is the resale value of electric cars, and does it vary by type?

Considering the increasing demand for electric cars, they have a good resale value. However, it may vary by type. The better the mechanics, the better the resale value.

3. Are there specific maintenance or service requirements for electric car batteries?

To maintain the electric car batteries, keep them charged between 20-80% of their full charging capacity. Avoid over-charging them or letting them drain out of the battery completely. These may damage the battery and reduce its charging capacity and driving range.

4. How does the cost of ownership compare between different types of electric cars?

The ownership costs for different types of electric cars depend on their price tag, fuel costs, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, battery replacements, etc.

5. What is the typical range of a Fully Electric Vehicle on a single charge?

Most electric cars offer a range of 200 to 500 km on a single charge.

Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is based on research and is intended for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or institution. Readers are encouraged to conduct further research and consult relevant professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.