Electric Vehicles: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page explores the pros and cons of various types of Electric Vehicles (EVs).

It highlights the benefits and drawbacks associated with electric vehicles.

Introduction

Electric vehicles utilize electrical energy stored in batteries to power electric motors. Unlike vehicles with combustion engines, EVs don’t produce exhaust gases, making them environmentally friendly. People are increasingly drawn to EVs for reasons like their fast and smooth driving experience, zero emissions, and smart, innovative technology.

We will explore different types of electric vehicles, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. The history of electric vehicles dates back to the 1830s with the creation of the first electric carriage. The electric car market gained significant momentum with the introduction of the Tesla Roadster in 2008. Tesla Inc. aims to popularize electric vehicles, encouraging people to adopt a more sustainable path. Other popular electric vehicle brands include BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Kia, Chevrolet, and more.

What are Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles are composed of three primary components:

• Controller
• Battery
• Electric Motor

Let’s examine the general working principle of an electric vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the controller draws energy from the battery. The controller then delivers the appropriate amount of electrical energy to the motor, which converts it into mechanical energy, causing the wheels to turn and the vehicle to move. The electrical energy required to charge the battery is often generated from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biogas, or hydroelectric plants.

Types of Electric Vehicles

The following are the main types of electric vehicles:

• Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): This type of vehicle runs solely on an electric motor and battery and doesn’t require a traditional Internal Combustion (IC) engine. It needs an external electricity source to recharge the battery.
• Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): This vehicle utilizes both an electric motor and battery, requiring a power grid for battery charging. It also uses an IC engine, typically to recharge the battery. The IC engine can be used instead of the motor when the battery is low.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): This vehicle contains two complementary drive systems: an electric motor with a battery and a gasoline engine with a fuel tank. It doesn’t need an external grid for charging. All the required energy is derived from gasoline and regenerative braking.

Benefits or Advantages of Electric Vehicles

The benefits or advantages of the different types of Electric Vehicles are listed below:

• BEV: No emissions, fast speed, smooth acceleration, no gas/oil changes, can be charged at home, low operating cost, etc.
• PHEV: Longer range compared to BEVs, less gas consumption, and fewer emissions than gasoline-only vehicles.
• HEV: Longer range than BEVs, less gas consumption, and fewer emissions than gasoline-only vehicles.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles

The drawbacks or disadvantages of the different types of Electric Vehicles are listed below:

• BEV: Shorter range compared to gasoline vehicles, slightly more expensive compared to gasoline vehicles.
• PHEV: Still produces emissions, complex mechanics due to the use of both gasoline and electric designs, expensive to operate, and cannot be conveniently charged at home.
• HEV: Same as PHEV.