I believe you are following my post on the modern vehicles power source - I mean to say, Plug-in Electric Vehicles.
It is note worthy to mention that, most of the latest vehicles are Plug-in Electric Vehicles, and as it is, in the years to come there will be few or no conventional vehicles (Internal Combustion Engines) plying our streets. Therefore, understanding these modern vehicles is key.
If you are a new reader here, you can read our last post for apt understanding and for our regular readers, you can skim through our last post to refresh yourselves on what we are talking about.
Today we will be talking on the basic types of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs), which are Electric Vehicles (EVs), also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
EVs use batteries to store energy. These batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source - that's why they are known also as BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles). Also, EVs are charged in part by regenerative braking, which generates electricity from some of the energy normally lost when braking.
EVs run approximately 100 to 265 miles on a fully charged battery. However, this range depends on the driving conditions and driver habits, among other factors.
The time required for charging completely drained batteries can range from 15 minutes to almost a full day— depends on the size and type of the batteries, as well as the type of charging equipment used.
However, PHEVs (also known as EREV - Extended Range Electric Vehicles) use two power source, a battery to power an electric motor and an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine which is powered by gasoline, diesel or compressed natural gas). This is why it got its name "hybrid".
Compared to the conventional vehicles which run solely on Combustion Engine (gasoline and the likes), powering the Hybrid with electricity from the grid reduces operating costs, cuts petroleum consumption, and reduces tailpipe emissions.
The PHEV’s battery pack gives it an all-electric driving range of about 10 to 80 miles. This enables the vehicle to travel a moderate distance without using its ICE. For instance, you might drive your vehicle to and fro work on all-electric power, plug in to charge it at night and be ready for another all-electric commute the next day. The ICE powers the vehicle when the battery is mostly drained, during rapid acceleration, or when using heating/air conditioning.
Just like EV, the PHEV can be charged by plugging in to the grid and also captures some energy from regenerative braking. Compared to the EV, PHEV takes less time to reach a full charge because of its smaller battery pack.
PHEV capture most of these benefits when they are operating in all-electric mode. What a better option to lookout for when intending to get a modern vehicle!
I know there are many who may feel discouraged to adopt these modern vehicles power source, because of the lack of public and private recharging infrastructure and, in the case of all-electric vehicles, drivers' fear of the batteries running out of energy before reaching their destination. Let it be known that PHEVs eliminate the problem of range, because the combustion engine (ICE) works as a backup when the batteries are depleted, even giving PHEVs a wider range than conventional vehicles. Also, for the lack of recharging infrastructure, most PEVs come with their rechargeable battery pack drive or can be plugged to a wall socket.
Note that the amount of range depends on the level of charge - a fuller charge gives you a longer range.
We will continue on this exposition in the next write-up. Watch out for it!
You can also send us your views on osmozis2@gmail.com or share your views on the available comment space. Thank you!
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