When we say “new energy vehicles”, we can generally divide them into 3 categories: BEV, PHEV and FCEV.
What are the key differences between them? I will try to make it clear to you in this post.
Definitions
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): These are vehicles that rely entirely on batteries for power and do not have an internal combustion engine. Examples include the Tesla Model 3 and the BYD Han EV.
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): These vehicles can be powered by both batteries and an internal combustion engine. Examples include the BYD Tang DM and the Toyota Prius.
FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): These vehicles generate electricity to power the motor using a fuel cell, typically a hydrogen fuel cell. Examples include the Toyota Mirai and the Honda Clarity.
How They Work?
BEVs are easy to understand, we charge the battery and the battery provides power to the motor. It’s that simple. But how do PHEVs and FCEVs work?
In fact, both PHEVs and FCEVs can be considered types of electric vehicles, but their working principles are different.
Is PHEV an electric vehicle?
PHEVs use both electric power and traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) to operate. They are equipped with an electric motor and battery pack, and the vehicle can be charged from an external power source. When the battery is sufficiently charged, the PHEV can run in fully electric mode. However, once the battery is depleted, the internal combustion engine takes over.
Role of the Internal Combustion Engine: The internal combustion engine in a PHEV can either directly drive the wheels or, in some cases, charge the battery in an extended range mode, depending on the vehicle’s design. Some PHEVs use a parallel system where both the engine and electric motor can drive the wheels simultaneously, while others use a series system where the engine primarily generates electricity to charge the battery, and the electric motor drives the wheels.
Is FCEV an electric vehicle?
FCEVs also fall under the category of electric vehicles, but their energy source is different. FCEVs use hydrogen as fuel. Inside the vehicle, the fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen from the air, and this electricity then powers the electric motor.
Role of Hydrogen: In an FCEV, hydrogen is not directly burned; instead, it undergoes an electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell system to generate electricity, which drives the vehicle. Therefore, its power source is still electricity, but this electricity is produced from hydrogen, unlike BEVs, which get electricity directly from batteries.
In summary, PHEVs are hybrid vehicles that use both electricity and traditional fuels, while FCEVs are purely electric vehicles that generate electricity from hydrogen.
A Comprehensive Comparison
Although you already know the definitions of BEV, PHEV and FCEV, and can construct a rough idea of what they are like in your mind, you don’t really know their respective advantages and disadvantages.
What is a more intuitive way to compare them? I think there is no better way than a table.
Here’s a table that outlines a comprehensive comparison of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV):
| Aspect | BEV | PHEV | FCEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Electricity stored in large onboard batteries | Electricity from batteries & gasoline/diesel | Hydrogen stored in tanks, converted to electricity |
| Driving Range | Typically 200-400 miles (320-640 km) | Electric range: 20-50 miles (32-80 km); Combined range: 300-600 miles (480-960 km) | 300-400 miles (480-640 km) |
| Refueling/Recharging Time | 30 minutes to 12 hours (depending on charger type) | Electric charging: 1-4 hours; Gas refuel: ~5 mins | 3-10 minutes for hydrogen refueling |
| Emissions | Zero emissions during operation | Low emissions in electric mode; CO2 emissions when using gasoline | Zero emissions during operation, water vapor output |
| Fuel Availability | Electricity is widely available | Both electricity and gasoline widely available | Hydrogen refueling stations are limited |
| Cost of Operation | Lower due to cheaper electricity and fewer moving parts | Higher than BEV when using gasoline; electricity use is cheaper | Moderate; hydrogen fuel is currently more expensive |
| Maintenance | Low, no oil changes, fewer parts to wear out | Moderate; requires both battery and engine maintenance | Moderate; fewer parts than PHEV, but hydrogen fuel systems need special handling |
| Environmental Impact | Clean when using renewable electricity; battery production has environmental costs | Cleaner than traditional hybrids but still reliant on fossil fuels | Clean if hydrogen is produced from renewable sources; hydrogen production can have environmental impact |
| Vehicle Availability | Many models available from various manufacturers | Wide variety from major automakers | Limited availability, mostly niche models |
| Government Incentives | Eligible for tax credits and incentives in many countries | Eligible for tax credits but less than BEVs | Eligible for incentives, often more substantial due to nascent technology |
| Best Use Case | Daily commutes, urban driving, eco-conscious consumers | Versatile, good for both city and long-distance driving | Long-range driving, eco-conscious consumers in areas with hydrogen infrastructure |
This table shows the key differences between BEV, PHEV and FCEV. I believe you will have a deeper understanding of them with the help of this table.
If you have other questions about BEV, PHEV and FCEV, please feel free to raise them in the comment section and discuss with us.
