A BHEV is a battery electric vehicle, which is an electric vehicle that uses electric motors powered by a battery. When people talk about electric vehicles (EVs), they usually mean a BHEV.
Understanding BHEVs
Here's a more detailed look at BHEVs:
- Power Source: BHEVs get their energy from a large battery pack, which is charged from an external electricity source.
- Motor: They use one or more electric motors to drive the wheels.
- No Tailpipe Emissions: Because they use only electricity, BHEVs produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
- Different from Hybrid EVs: It's important to distinguish BHEVs from hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). HEVs combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, while BHEVs rely solely on battery power.
Key Characteristics of BHEVs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Large battery pack |
| Motor | One or more electric motors |
| Emissions | Zero tailpipe emissions |
| Charging | Charged by external electric source |
| Common Usage | When people refer to electric vehicles, they are generally referring to BHEVs |
Examples of BHEVs
Many car manufacturers now produce BHEVs, including:
- Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
- Nissan LEAF
- Chevrolet Bolt
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
Benefits of BHEVs
- Reduced air pollution in urban areas.
- Lower running costs due to cheaper electricity compared to gasoline.
- Quieter operation than gasoline cars.
- Potential for government incentives and rebates.
In summary, a BHEV is a type of electric vehicle powered exclusively by a battery, which is the most common type of electric vehicle people generally refer to when discussing EVs.
