Consider the following types of vehicles:  

I. Full battery electric vehicles   

II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles   

III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles   

How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?   

  • Only one   
  • Only two   
  • All the three   
  • None   

Answer: (c) All the three   

Alternative Powertrain Vehicles
  • A powertrain is the system in a vehicle that generates power and delivers it to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. It typically includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain (including axles, differentials, and drive shafts). Cars and buses have powertrains.
  • Alternative powertrain vehicles are those that do not rely solely on conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs) using petrol or diesel. Instead, they use alternative energy sources such as electricity, hydrogen, biofuels, or a combination of power sources. They are more environmentally friendly and often reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions.
  • Full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
    • Full Battery Electric Vehicles operate entirely on electricity stored in high-capacity batteries. These batteries are charged using external power sources like home chargers or public charging stations.
    • BEVs have no internal combustion engine, meaning they do not consume petrol or diesel at all. Instead, they use an electric motor to power the wheels. This results in zero tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
    • Common examples of BEVs include the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.
    • Since they completely replace the traditional fuel system with electric propulsion, BEVs are considered a key category of alternative powertrain vehicles.
  • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs)
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles generate electricity onboard by using a chemical process in a fuel cell, where hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen from the air. This process produces electricity that powers an electric motor, with only water vapor as the byproduct, making these vehicles emission-free at the tailpipe.
    • FCEVs do not rely on fossil fuels or internal combustion engines, and unlike BEVs, they do not require external charging; instead, they are refueled with compressed hydrogen gas.
    • Vehicles like the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai NEXO are prime examples of FCEVs.
    • Because they use hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional engines, they are classified as alternative powertrain vehicles.
  • Fuel Cell Electric Hybrid Vehicles (FCHEVs):
    • Fuel Cell Electric Hybrid Vehicles combine the technologies of fuel cell vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. In these vehicles, both a hydrogen fuel cell and a battery system work together to power an electric motor.
    • The fuel cell generates electricity from hydrogen, while the battery can store energy from regenerative braking or from the fuel cell. This hybrid system provides flexibility in power delivery, better efficiency, and potentially extended driving range.
    • An example of such a vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL.
    • Since these vehicles do not depend on conventional internal combustion engines and operate primarily on hydrogen and electricity, they significantly reduce environmental impact and are therefore considered a form of alternative powertrain vehicle.
Types of Electric Vehicles
  • There are four types of electric vehicles available:
    • Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Fully powered by electricity. These are more efficient compared to hybrid and plug-in hybrids.
    • Hybrid Electric Vehicle:
      • Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): The vehicle uses both the internal combustion (usually petrol) engine and the battery-powered motor powertrain. The petrol engine is used both to drive and charge when the battery is empty. These vehicles are not as efficient as fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
      • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Uses both an internal combustion engine and a battery charged from an external socket (they have a plug). This means the vehicle’s battery can be charged with electricity rather than the engine. PHEVs are more efficient than HEVs but less efficient than BEVs.
    • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Electric energy is produced from chemical energy. For example, a hydrogen FCEV.
Types of Electric Vehicles