Electric and Plug-in hybrid electric power train is an expanding technology in the contemporary automotive industry. The concept of the electric vehicle has been deliberated by automakers since the early 20th century; however, the technology hasn't developed significantly enough to be considered a conventional means of transportation, with the exception of golf carts, airport transportation trolleys and similar applications.
Continued research and development has led to the emergence of the new generation of vehicles seen in the past two decades. These vehicles have emerged as a substitute for mainstream transportation and as a potential solution to address climatic changes, reducing the Green House Gas Emission (GHGE) with nominal dependency on fossil fuels.
Classification of the hybrid or electric power train vehicles is based on the type of power train implemented by the Automotive OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The popular terminology for categorization is Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), plug-in Electric Vehicles (EVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and the emerging Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs). Various options based on these conceptual power trains from all major OEMs are now available in the market. However, time has not come yet that any automotive OEM can claim the hybrid and electric vehicles as a substitute to gasoline/diesel vehicles.[Alam MS (2013) Key Barriers to the Profitable Commercialization of Plug-in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles]
Last date updated on September, 2024
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