Hybrid Electric Vehicles: A Bridge Between Gasoline and Electric Cars
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are cars that use both electric motors and internal combustion engines to power the vehicle. They are considered to be a bridge between traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and fully electric vehicles. Unlike pure electric vehicles (EVs), which rely solely on an electric motor and battery pack for propulsion, HEVs can switch between using gasoline and electric power. This means that they are not considered pure or all-electric vehicles.
HEVs have been around since the late 1990s, and since then, they have evolved to include new features and technologies that improve their performance and efficiency. One of the most significant advancements in HEV technology is the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
PHEVs are HEVs whose batteries can be charged externally. They operate as pure EVs during their charge-depleting mode, meaning they rely solely on the electric motor to power the vehicle until the battery is depleted. Once the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine kicks in to provide power to the electric motor. PHEVs offer the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of an electric motor with the extended range of a gasoline engine.
PHEVs with a series powertrain are also known as range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). Examples of REEVs include the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma. These vehicles have a small gasoline engine that serves only to generate electricity to power the electric motor. The gasoline engine does not drive the wheels directly, making these vehicles functionally similar to pure EVs.
Another type of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is the battery electric vehicle (BEV). BEVs rely solely on an electric motor and battery pack for propulsion, and they do not have a gasoline engine. They must be charged externally and have a limited range compared to HEVs and PHEVs.
Electric vehicle conversions of HEVs and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) can be classified into one of two categories. In the case of an HEV conversion, the vehicle would be modified to have a larger battery pack and an external charging port. This would allow the vehicle to operate in pure electric mode for a longer distance than the original HEV design. In the case of an ICEV conversion, the vehicle would be modified to replace the internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery pack.
In China, plug-in electric vehicles and HEVs are collectively known as new energy vehicles (NEVs). The Chinese government has been promoting NEVs as a way to reduce air pollution and decrease the country’s dependence on imported oil. In the United States, neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are a different type of vehicle. NEVs are classified as battery electric vehicles that are legally limited to roads with posted speed limits no higher than 45 miles per hour (72 km/h). They are usually built to have a top speed of 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) and a maximum loaded weight of 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg).
In conclusion, hybrid electric vehicles have become an increasingly popular option for consumers looking for a vehicle that is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. With the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles, the technology has evolved to offer even greater benefits. While there are still some limitations to the range and availability of charging infrastructure for EVs, the future looks bright for these vehicles as more people look to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace clean energy.
