1. BEV (Bureau Electric Vehicle), often simply called EV for ease of remembering.
EV vehicles are powered entirely by batteries. Simply put, they rely solely on the battery and drive motor to power the vehicle and propel it. They mainly consist of a chassis, body, battery, drive motor, electrical equipment, and other auxiliary systems.
Advantages: Zero emissions, no pollution (except for poor-quality power batteries), no noise, energy saving and cost saving.
Disadvantages: The driving range does not meet people's expectations, it is more expensive than gasoline cars in the same class, and the charging time is long.
2. HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
HEV models are still primarily powered by gasoline, but they incorporate an electric drive system to create a hybrid system, reducing fuel consumption. Generally, the electric motor drives the car during initial acceleration, and once speed is increased, both the engine and electric motor work together to propel the vehicle, effectively lowering average fuel consumption. Furthermore, during braking or downhill driving, it features a regenerative braking system that charges the battery, achieving energy recycling.
Advantages: Compared to traditional cars, fuel consumption is very low because the internal combustion engine always operates at its optimal condition. Furthermore, the smaller battery pack reduces costs compared to pure electric vehicles; the two systems complement each other and work together effectively.
Disadvantages: High price and low subsidies, cannot be registered with a green license plate, short pure electric range, and high maintenance costs (two systems).
3. PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
PHEVs are actually a type of hybrid electric vehicle, but they are discussed separately because they are eligible for many subsidies in China. They also have an internal combustion engine and a generator, with the internal combustion engine as the primary power source and an electric motor as an auxiliary drive. Furthermore, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have larger battery capacities than gasoline hybrids and can be externally charged, allowing them to operate in pure electric mode.
Advantages: Energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and with low pollution; it can be used as a standalone pure electric vehicle. Compared to pure electric vehicles, it eliminates range anxiety because it has an additional powertrain, providing more power and a longer driving range.
Disadvantage: Requires the installation of a charging station.
4. REEV (Range Extended Vehicle)
As mentioned earlier, BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) vehicles are propelled by a battery-powered motor, and REEV (Recycled Electric Vehicle) models are similar. However, REEVs also have an internal combustion engine system. When the battery is depleted, the internal combustion engine starts to charge the battery, and once the battery is charged, it continues to drive the vehicle.
Advantages: Very low fuel consumption; since the engine only handles charging, a small-displacement engine is sufficient. Guaranteed range; eligible for government subsidies including purchase tax exemption.
Disadvantages: Range-extended electric vehicles have higher fuel consumption on highways. This is because on highways, if the engine directly drives the wheels, it can operate in its optimal mode continuously. However, range-extended plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have an additional conversion process, which consumes energy, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
