What are Electric Vehicles, and How are They Better For the Environment?

Many businesses have started using electric vehicles (EVs) in their fleets as a result of rising fuel prices and a push for greener initiatives. Renowned for their high fuel efficiency, EVs can be an economical alternative to conventional cars, leading to lower running costs.

EVs are a more environmentally friendly option than gas or diesel automobiles, in addition to having fewer fuel expenses. They can lower a fleet's carbon gas emissions by getting rid of exhaust. This benefit aids companies in continuing to operate sustainably and in compliance with legal requirements. If you are considering connecting with battery-operated E-rickshaw manufacturers, first know what electric vehicles are, their types and why they are better for the environment.

What are Electric Vehicles?

Traditional cars use ICEs, i.e. internal combustion engines, which run on fossil fuels such as gas or diesel. Battery-operated vehicles, or EVs, are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which are also used to power computers and smartphones. EVs also plug into external power sources to charge, just like electrical devices do. Some battery types rely on regenerative braking or electricity generation from the frictional energy of the vehicle to charge. In addition to being cleaner than internal combustion engines, lithium-ion batteries frequently perform better. Many even have an 8–10 year guaranteed life span.

Just like conventional cars stop at a petrol station to refill fuel, a network of charging stations provides EV batteries with access to power while driving. An EV's battery life determines how far it can go between charging points. Severe weather and driving conditions can also reduce an EV's range because they require more energy to make up for it.

Types of EVs

EVs can be categorised into different types on the basis of how much they depend on electricity as a power source. Right now, EVs can be classified into three types: 

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs, also referred to as "plug-in" EVs, get their power from an external electrical outlet for charging. These are electricity-only vehicles without a gas engine, fuel tank, or exhaust pipe.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles PHEVs): Extended-range electric vehicles, also known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), run on a combination of electricity and gasoline. They are capable of regenerative braking and have batteries that can be charged by an external outlet. In order to increase the vehicle's range and replenish the battery, PHEVs additionally use a petrol engine.

Hybrid electric vehicles: These types of vehicles are also powered by both gasoline and electricity. They are different from PHEVs in that they only use regenerative braking to charge their batteries. When driving, these EVs use their electric motor; but when the load or speed increases, the electric motor is supplemented by the gasoline engine.

Why are EVs a better alternative for the environment?

1. Zero tailpipe emissions: Full electric vehicles do not require a tailpipe because they don't produce exhaust. Conventional engines use diesel or gasoline to provide energy but at the expense of emitting dangerous carbon emissions. The batteries used in EVs, however, are fully emission-free. The lithium-ion battery is the most common type of battery used in EVs. 

1. Fewer emissions even with fossil fuels: Numerous electric charging stations utilise renewable energy to charge EVs. However, some of them are still powered by coal-burning power plants and other resources which are considered harmful to the environment. Yet, even if EVs are powered by coal, they lead to lower emissions. 

So if you are planning to switch to EVs, connect with manufacturers that offer the best battery-operated e-rickshaw loader.