Hybrid electric vehicle

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): This system combines a combustion engine and an electric motor, which can work together or separately to power the vehicle. The battery is charged by the engine and regenerative braking, which recovers energy from the wheels when slowing down. HEVs use petrol as fuel and have lower emissions and better fuel economy than conventional vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): This system is similar to HEV, but it has a larger battery that can be charged from the grid or a charging station. PHEVs can run on electricity, petrol, or both, depending on the driving conditions and the battery level. PHEVs have a longer electric range than HEVs and can reduce fuel consumption and emissions even more

Battery electric vehicle

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): This system is powered solely by an electric motor and a battery, which can be charged from the grid or a charging station. BEVs have no combustion engine, no tailpipe, and no emissions during operation. BEVs have the lowest running costs and environmental impact of all the systems, but they also have limited range and require longer charging times.

Fuel cell vehicle

FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): This system is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and an electric motor, which can work together or separately to power the vehicle. The fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, and the battery is charged by regenerative braking or the fuel cells. FCEVs run on hydrogen, which can be produced from renewable sources, and emit only water vapour. FCEVs have a long range and fast refuelling times, but they are expensive and require a hydrogen infrastructure.