Types of HEVs or Hybrid Electric Vehicles | New Topic [2024]

In this note, we are going to know about the Types of HEVs or Types of Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for Diploma Engineering Notes Syllabus-Wise.

Author Name: Arun Paul.

Types of HEVs or Hybrid Electric Vehicles

There are 5 types of Hybrid Electric Vehicles –

1. Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PHEV
2. Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle or SHEV
3. Series Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle or SPHEV
4. Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PIHEV
5. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle or MHEV

1. Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PHEV

An internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor that operate in tandem to move the vehicle are both components of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV. A PHEV can be driven directly by its electric motor and internal combustion engine since both are mechanically attached to the wheels.

Key Features of PHEV –

1. It is have two primary power sources.
2. It can operate in an all-electric mode for short distances.
3. In this mode, both the ICE and electric motor work together to move the vehicle.
4. Regenerative braking is a mechanism used by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to conserve energy in the battery for use at a later time.
5. When comparing PHEVs to traditional hybrid cars, there is more flexibility available.

2. Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle or SHEV

A Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SHEV) is a hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor as its primary source of propulsion, with an internal combustion engine (ICE) serving only as a generator to charge the vehicle’s battery or supply additional power as needed. In contrast to parallel hybrid vehicles, which have both the ICE and the electric motor mechanically attached to the wheels, the ICE in a series hybrid does not drive the wheels directly.

Key Features of SHEV –

1. The electric motor drives the wheels.
2. In a series hybrid, the internal combustion engine (ICE) only serves as a generator, producing electricity.
3. Unlike parallel hybrids, which allow both the ICE and the electric motor to drive the wheels directly, series hybrids have no mechanical connection between the ICE and the wheels.
4. Series hybrids may run on a variety of fuels, including petrol, diesel, natural gas and even hydrogen.
5. This helps to a more enjoyable and pleasant driving experience for passengers.

3. Series Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle or SPHEV

A Series-Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SPHEV)’s powertrain architecture incorporates elements from both series and parallel hybrid designs. This sort of hybrid vehicle provides flexibility and efficiency by seamlessly switching between multiple driving modes dependent on the driver’s needs and the driving conditions.

Key Features of SPHEV –

1. It has multiple power sources.
2. In series mode, the vehicle runs primarily on electricity generated by the electric motor.
3. In parallel mode, the ICE and electric motor are mechanically coupled to the wheels and work in tandem to push the car.
4. SPHEVs can also be charged via an external power source, either a wall socket or a charging station.
5. Compared to traditional cars, SPHEVs are more flexible and efficient due to their combination of series and parallel modes.

4. Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PIHEV

An internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric motor, and a bigger battery pack are all combined in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PIHEV). The capacity of a plug-in hybrid electric car (PIHEV) to draw power from an external power source, like a wall socket or charging station, sets it apart from other hybrid cars.

Key Features of PIHEV –

1. Combines internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor propulsion
2. Larger battery capacity compared to conventional hybrids
3. Can be charged via external power source for extended electric-only range
4. Offers flexibility to switch between electric and ICE power modes
5. Reduced fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional vehicles

5. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle or MHEV

An example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) is one that uses an electric motor and battery system to supplement the internal combustion engine (ICE) instead of relying only on electric power for propulsion. MHEVs use electric power for some vehicle functions and provide extra torque during acceleration in order to increase fuel efficiency and lower pollution.

Key Features of MHEV –

1. Incorporates a small electric motor and battery alongside an internal combustion engine
2. Supports engine start-stop functionality to save fuel during idling
3. Provides mild electric assistance to the engine for improved efficiency
4. Cannot operate solely on electric power; primarily assists the combustion engine
5. Enables regenerative braking to recharge the battery and improve efficiency.