As the technology has been emerging quite rapidly, it is important for every person to cope up with the new developing era and update themselves. We know you are also interested in learning about electric vehicles and want to opt one for yourself. This is an ultimate guide for you to learn the basics about the Electric Vehicles.
You know that normal vehicles operate with petrol and diesel combustion. But instead of an internal combustion engine that produces electricity by burning a combination of gasoline and gases, an electric vehicle (EV) is one that runs on an electric motor. Hence, these types of vehicles are most likely to be the replacement for the current automobiles. This replacement is addressing many issues such as global warming, depletion of natural resources and rising pollution.

Starting from the basics, all the electric vehicles consists of an electric motor unlike regular automobiles, which are having internal combustion engine. The charging process of EV initiates with the charging the large battery of the vehicle. This is done by plugging it in to a charging station or any other external outlet to charge it. EVs do not exhaust through the tailpipe and they also don’t contain any components of liquid fuel such as fuel tank, fuel line or fuel pump.
The electric cars have some elementary components on which they operate. Starting from the major component known as Battery (auxiliary). The auxiliary battery supplies electricity to power vehicle devices in an electrically powered vehicle. Another element is the Charge Port, it let the vehicle to link with the external power supply for the charging of the traction battery. Next is the DC/DC Converter, it is responsible for the DC voltage conversion of the high voltage DC power from the traction battery to low voltage DC that is required to accelerate the vehicle devices and recharge our auxiliary battery.  The motor which powers the wheels of the car, using input from the traction battery pack is called Electric Traction Motor. Some cars use engine generators that perform both the roles of driving and regeneration. For the purpose of charging an Onboard Charger is installed, which takes and transforms the incoming AC electricity supplied by the charge port to DC power for the traction battery charging. When charging the battery pack, it measures battery characteristics such as voltage, current, temperature, and battery capacity. Another component is the Controller for Power Electronics. This element controls the electrical energy flow provided by the traction battery, regulating the electrical traction motor speed and torque it generates. There is a Thermal System or Cooling System that is responsible for maintaining a suitable range of the operating temperature for multiple components such as electric motor, engine, power electronics etc. A Traction Battery Pack is used to store the electricity for the later use by traction motor. Last but not the least, Transmission responsible for driving the wheels by transferring the power from electric traction motor.

As there are several technology options available in vehicles, electric vehicles also have various options and proficiencies that can meet every unique driver’s needs. There are two basic Electric Vehicles Types: all-electric vehicles (AEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The AEVs further includes Battery Electric Vehicle (BEVs) and PHEVs includes Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). Among all the EVs, only BEV is capable of charging on the highest level of DC fast charge of level 3. 

BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. BEVs are all-electric vehicles which are rechargeable and do not require a gasoline engine. With the help of battery packs, the battery of EV, stores the electricity. All the onboard devices and electric motor utilizes the battery power. The advantage of BEV over conventional vehicles is that BEV does not produce any harmful emission or any pollution that is damaging for the environment. Following are some of the examples of BEVs: Nissan LEAF, BMW i3, Tesla Model 3, Ford Focus Electric, Tesla Model S, Toyota Rav4, Tesla X, Chevy, Hyundai Ioniq Bolt.

PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. These are type of vehicles which get charged through regenerative braking and also by plugging in to some external source of an electric power. PHEV engines can range between 10-40 miles even before their gas engines are accelerated. While traditional hybrids usually go around 1-2 miles before the engine of gasoline turns on. Examples of PHEV are Audi A3 E-Tron, Mercedes C350e, Ford Fusion Energi, Toyota Prius, Porsche, Cayenne S E-Hybrid, BMW i8, Mercedes GLE550e, Hyundai Sonata, Volvo XC90 T8.

HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Both gasoline and electricity are operated by HEVs. To recharge the battery the electrical energy is generated by the car’s own braking mechanism. This is called ‘regenerative braking,’ a system in which the electric motor makes the car slow down and using some of the energy usually transferred by the brakes to gas. HEVs operate utilizing the electric motor, then the petrol engine cuts in as load or speed increases. An internal computer controls the two motors and ensures the best economy for driving conditions. The HEV examples are Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius Hybrid.

It is important for you to note, that the type of car that would suit your lifestyle depends on your driving habits and needs.
Compared to traditional vehicles, plug-in hybrids will deliver improved environmental efficiency and lower refueling costs. They substitute miles that would have been powered on gasoline/fuel with electricity, replacing the diesel engine on longer journeys since they are rechargeable from an outlet.
Battery-electric vehicles use electricity as their only power, so it’s necessary to adapt the selection of batteries to the vehicle’s intended use. However, as public and industrial charging stations become more readily accessible, recharging the batteries when you’re away from home is becoming easier.
Therefore, keeping in mind all the pros and cons, it really depends on your requirements and convenience that which type of Electric Vehicle you would prefer for your travel journey.