Know the Differences Between BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV in Cars Here!

What is the difference between HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV? You are probably familiar with that question. In recent years, this question has often been asked in line with public interest in electric cars. As we know, electric cars are predicted to be the vehicles of the future and a solution for fuel efficiency and air pollution.

Therefore, knowing the differences between the terms above is very important for those of you who intend to buy an electric car. So what are the differences? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.

Differences Between BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV in Cars

Speaking of electric cars, you will certainly be familiar with the terms BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV. These terms are used to differentiate electric cars based on their types. Although these terms are often heard, not everyone can understand them well. To avoid confusion, you need to pay attention to the complete review of the differences between BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV as follows.

1. BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

This term is used to refer to electric cars that use total electric energy as a power source. Thus, BEV electric cars do not use traction motor systems or combustion systems at all. The electric energy in BEV types is stored in batteries that can be recharged using charging methods. This type of car has many advantages, including 100% electric energy usage, rechargeable, no carbon emissions, and the ability to store energy when the car is braked. Therefore, this type of car is highly sought after by many people as it is considered more economical compared to other types.

2. HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

The next type of electric car is HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle). As the name suggests, HEV cars combine battery drive systems with gasoline. When the battery power is depleted, HEV types cannot be recharged like BEV types. This happens because this car does not have a charging port. However, HEV cars can recharge their batteries by utilizing the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy during the braking process. As the name implies, HEV cars also need to consume fuel. However, fuel consumption in this car is much more efficient compared to conventional cars.

3. PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is the term used to describe a type of electric car. In PHEV cars, the power source comes from fuel and electricity used simultaneously. Although it has the same power source as HEV cars, PHEV cars still have differences. In PHEV cars, battery charging can be done externally or by utilizing kinetic energy from the car's braking. Additionally, in terms of fuel consumption, PHEV types are considered more economical compared to HEV types.

4. FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle)

In FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) electric cars, the power source used is 100% from electric energy. At first glance, it does look somewhat similar to BEV types. However, FCEV has a more complex working mechanism because it can generate electric energy by utilizing Fuel-Cell technology. This technology can convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electric energy independently while the car is in motion. Thus, FCEV cars do not require external charging.