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# Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

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##    Overview

There are more electric and hybrid-electric vehicles on our roads than ever before. Understanding how these vehicles – ranging from compact cars to pickup trucks – work and how they differ from gasoline-engine vehicles is important. We also have information on how to safely operate these vehicles, how they contribute to fuel and cost savings, and how the vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas-powered vehicles. 

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Electric Vehicles

Source

# 

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles                    The Topic                     Batteries, Charging & Safety FAQs NHTSA in Action Resources 

Understanding EVs and HEVsCommon Components

Battery Lifespan and TypesBenefits

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

                    -  The Topic                        -  Understanding EVs and HEVs 
                      -  Common Components 
                    -  Batteries, Charging & Safety                        -  Battery Lifespan and Types 
                      -  Benefits 
                    -  FAQs  
                    -  NHTSA in Action  
                    -  Resources  

The Topic

# Understanding EVs and HEVs

From the outside, an electric or hybrid vehicle might look like a gas-powered vehicle, but what’s under the hood and how it operates are different. There are two types of electric vehicles and several types of hybrid-electric vehicles.

### EVs

                    - Battery-electric vehicles , also referred to as BEVs, are powered by electricity and plug in to charge their batteries. BEVs do not release tailpipe emissions. 
                    - Fuel cell electric vehicles , also referred to as FCEVs, are powered by hydrogen and convert the hydrogen to electricity in the fuel cell. FCEVs only emit water vapor and warm air.

### HEVs

                    - Hybrid-electric vehicles , also called HEVs, are powered by both gasoline and electricity. In many HEVs, the electric motor uses battery power to help the engine or move the vehicle independently for short distances. As the engine runs, the battery recharges. There are various levels of hybrid-electric vehicles.

####                     HEV Level Types                    **

                              - Micro HEVs  have limited fuel-saving benefits from idle stop-start technology but still save on fuel compared to their gasoline-only counterparts. These vehicles don’t require the manufacturer to redesign the entire powertrain, so the vehicle cost is similar to a gas-powered vehicle. These HEVs aren’t capable of regenerative braking.
                              - Mild HEVs  use idle stop-start technology but also can regenerate electricity when coming to a stop. Some manufacturers may also employ engine power-assist mode when propelling from a stop (but not at higher vehicle speeds). 
                              - Medium HEVs  employ idle start-stop, regenerative braking, and engine power-assist at higher speeds. These vehicles, however, aren’t equipped to propel the vehicle using only the electric motor. 
                              - Strong or Full HEVs  use hybrid vehicle functions – idle start-stop, regenerative braking, engine power-assist, and temporary (usually around 1 mile) electric-only operation.
                              - Plug-In HEVs , also referred to as PHEVs, use the same hybrid functions as strong HEVs but have a longer electric-only range (typically between 20 and 70 miles, depending on the vehicle design and its battery). PHEVs are an advanced hybrid-electric vehicle that plugs in to a charger to replenish the battery’s charge. Once the PHEV’s battery is depleted, the engine assists in recharging the battery for continued driving, which mirrors the operation of a strong HEV.

There are various levels of hybrid-electric vehicles. You should check how fuel efficient a particular HEV is when shopping for a new vehicle.

### Various Functions of Electrified Vehicles

Just as there are various levels of hybrid-electric vehicles, various functions within an EV or HEV contribute to electrification.

####                     EVs & HEVs                    **

                              - Regenerative braking:  The electric motor in an electrified vehicle can be used to slow the vehicle – capturing energy in the process. This energy would otherwise be lost in the form of heat with a mechanical (conventional) braking system. The vehicle still utilizes conventional brakes to slow the vehicle during some braking events, such as emergency braking or when the battery is fully charged. 
                              - Electric-only driving:  While EVs always rely on battery power, some HEVs can also propel a vehicle using only battery power for the range of the battery – without support from the gasoline engine.

####                     HEVs                    **

                              - Idle start-stop:  When the vehicle comes to a stop, the HEV’s engine temporarily turns off to save fuel and reduce vehicle emissions. The engine restarts once the driver releases the brake pedal.
                              - Engine power assist:  During higher vehicle speeds, the electric motor can help the HEV’s engine by giving more power to propel the vehicle.

The Topic

# Common Components

Common electric powertrain components exist across all electrified vehicles. In battery-electric vehicles, these components replace the gasoline engine and much of its related componentry. In hybrid vehicles, these components are added to the gasoline engine and related componentry onboard the vehicle. The illustrations below outline typical component placement for both types of vehicles.