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Module-1 Introduction

The document provides an overview of conventional, electric, and hybrid vehicles, discussing their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. It details various layouts of conventional vehicles, types of hybrid vehicles, and their degree of hybridization, as well as the environmental impacts and challenges associated with each type. Additionally, it compares the energy sources, emissions, fuel efficiency, costs, and infrastructure needs of conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
32 views7 pages

Module-1 Introduction

The document provides an overview of conventional, electric, and hybrid vehicles, discussing their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. It details various layouts of conventional vehicles, types of hybrid vehicles, and their degree of hybridization, as well as the environmental impacts and challenges associated with each type. Additionally, it compares the energy sources, emissions, fuel efficiency, costs, and infrastructure needs of conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Uploaded by

samayabisoyi15
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Notes on Conventional, Electric, and Hybrid Vehicles

Introduction to conventional and electric vehicles, need for hybrid vehicles (societal and
environmental impacts), challenges of hybrid vehicles, comparison of conventional, hybrid, and
electric vehicles, degrees of hybridization (Micro, Mild, Full, and Plug-in hybrids), overview of
hybrid vehicle architectures (Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel configurations).
Conventional Vehicles:
 Powered by internal combustion engines (ICEs) using fossil fuels like petrol or diesel.
 Characteristics:
o High emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2, NOx) and air pollutants.
o Depend on finite fossil fuel resources.
o Lower manufacturing costs and widespread infrastructure.

Layout of conventional vehicles:

1. Front-Engine, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)


Common in economy cars, compact sedans, and family vehicles
Characteristics:
 The engine is in the front, and power is sent to the front wheels.
Advantages:
 Lightweight and more fuel-efficient.
 Compact design allows for more cabin and cargo space.
 Better traction in wet or snowy conditions (because the engine's weight is over the driven
wheels).
 Cheaper to manufacture and maintain.

Disadvantages:
 Less balanced weight distribution, leading to understeer.
 Limited high-performance capabilities compared to RWD or AWD.

Examples:
 Toyota Camry
 Honda Civic
 Volkswagen Golf
 Hyundai Elantra

2. Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)


Preferred in sports cars, luxury sedans, and trucks
Characteristics:
 Engine is in the front, but power is sent to the rear wheels.
 Common in performance-oriented and rear-heavy load vehicles.
Advantages:
 Better weight distribution improves handling and cornering.
 More durable for towing and heavy loads.
 Greater acceleration potential (as weight shifts to the rear under acceleration).

Disadvantages:
 More complex and expensive to manufacture.
 Rear wheels can slide out (oversteer) under aggressive driving.
Examples:
 BMW 3 Series
 Ford Mustang
 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
 Chevrolet Camaro

3. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) / Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)


Ideal for off-roading, SUVs, and high-performance cars
Characteristics:
 Power is distributed to all four wheels, either full-time (AWD) or selectable (4WD).
 AWD is found in passenger cars, while 4WD is used for off-roading.
Advantages:
Superior traction on all surfaces, including wet, snowy, or icy roads.
Provides better stability and control, especially in bad weather.
Essential for off-road and high-performance sports cars.

Disadvantages:
More expensive to maintain and repair.
Reduced fuel efficiency due to added weight and drivetrain complexity.
Not necessary for all driving conditions, making it inefficient in dry climates.
Examples:
 Audi Quattro models (AWD)
 Jeep Wrangler (4WD)
 Toyota Land Cruiser (4WD)

4. Mid-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (MR)


Used in high-performance sports cars and supercars
Characteristics:
 Engine is placed behind the front axle but ahead of the rear axle.
 Provides excellent balance and weight distribution.
Advantages:
Best weight distribution for superior handling and cornering.
Faster acceleration due to better traction and balance.
Used in many high-performance and racing cars.

Disadvantages:
More expensive and complex to manufacture.
Limited interior and cargo space.

Examples:
 Ferrari 488
 Lamborghini Huracán
 Porsche Cayman
 McLaren 720S
5. Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive (RR)
Rare layout, mostly used in specific sports cars and compact city cars

Characteristics:
 Engine is placed behind the rear axle.
 Mostly used for compact cars and performance vehicles.
Advantages:
 Excellent rear traction and acceleration.
 Simple drivetrain with fewer mechanical losses.
 Allows for a very compact front-end design.
Disadvantages:
 High tendency for oversteer due to weight at the back.
 Can be challenging to handle at high speeds.
 Limited engine size and placement constraints.
Examples:
 Porsche 911
 Tata Nano
 Renault Twingo

Electric Vehicles (EVs):


 Powered by electric motors using energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
 Characteristics:
o Zero tailpipe emissions, environmentally friendly during operation.
o High energy efficiency and low operational costs.
o Requires charging infrastructure and depends on battery technology.
 Environmental Concerns:
o Battery production involves mining of rare earth metals.
o Recycling and disposal of batteries are challenging.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Layouts
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a different layout compared to traditional internal combustion engine
(ICE) cars. Instead of a conventional engine, transmission, and fuel tank, EVs use an electric
motor, battery pack, and power electronics.

Key Components in an EV Layout

1. Battery Pack – The primary energy source, usually mounted in the floor (lowering the center
of gravity).
2. Electric Motor(s) – Can be positioned at the front, rear, or both axles for various drivetrain
configurations.
3. Inverter & Power Electronics – Converts battery DC power to AC for the motor.
4. Regenerative Braking System – Captures kinetic energy to recharge the battery.
5. Charging Port & Onboard Charger – Allows external charging through AC or DC power
sources.

Common Electric Vehicle Layouts


Single Motor, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Single Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Dual Motor, All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Quad Motor, All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle is a car that uses both an


internal combustion engine (ICE) and an
electric motor to improve fuel efficiency,
reduce emissions, and enhance
performance. The electric motor assists the
ICE, and in some cases, the vehicle can run
on electric power alone for a limited
distance.

Types of Hybrid Vehicles & Their Degree of Hybridization

1. Micro Hybrid – Minimal Electrification

Start-stop system turns off the engine at idle to save fuel.


Regenerative braking may be included.
No electric motor for propulsion.
Fuel Savings: 5-10%
Battery Type: Small 12V
Charging Required? No
Examples: Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency, BMW EfficientDynamics, Mahindra Scorpio
Intelli-Hybrid

2. Mild Hybrid (MHEV) – Low Electrification

Small electric motor assists the engine during acceleration.


Regenerative braking recharges the battery.
Cannot drive on electric power alone.
Fuel Savings: 10-15%
Battery Type: 48V
Charging Required? No
Examples: Suzuki SHVS (Swift, Baleno), Audi A6/A8 MHEV, Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost,
BMW 5 Series MHEV

3. Full Hybrid (FHEV) – Moderate Electrification

Can drive short distances on electric power alone.


ICE and electric motor work together or separately.
Self-charging system using regenerative braking and engine power.
Fuel Savings: 25-40%
Battery Type: Large (100V+)
Charging Required? No
Examples: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid
4. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – High Electrification

Can drive long distances (30-60 km) on electric power.


Larger battery than FHEV for extended EV mode.
Must be plugged in to recharge.
Fuel Savings: 40-60%
Battery Type: Very Large (300V+)
Charging Required? Yes
Examples: Toyota RAV4 Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, BMW X5 xDrive45e, Jeep
Wrangler 4xe

5. Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV / REx) – Very High Electrification

Primarily an EV with a small gasoline engine acting as a generator.


Engine does not drive the wheels – only recharges the battery.
Fuel Savings: 50-70%
Battery Type: Very Large (300V+)
Charging Required? Yes
Examples: BMW i3 REx, Chevrolet Volt

Comparison Table of Hybrid Vehicle Types

Feature Micro Mild Hybrid Full Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid Range Extender
Hybrid (MHEV) (FHEV) (PHEV) (REEV)
Electric No No Yes (Short Yes (Longer Yes (Mostly
Drive? Distances) Distances) EV)
Battery Size Small Medium (48V) Large (100V+) Very Large Very Large
(12V) (300V+) (300V+)
Fuel Savings 5-10% 10-15% 25-40% 40-60% 50-70%
Charging No No No Yes (Plug-in) Yes (Plug-in)
Needed?

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles


Better Fuel Efficiency – Uses less gasoline than traditional cars.
Lower Emissions – Reduces CO₂ and pollutants.
Regenerative Braking – Captures energy that would otherwise be lost.
Quiet & Smooth Driving – Electric motors make driving more refined.
No Range Anxiety (for FHEVs & PHEVs) – ICE ensures you never run out of power.

Need for Hybrid Vehicles

Societal Impacts:
1. Improved Fuel Efficiency:
o Reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional vehicles.
2. Energy Security:
o Decreased reliance on imported fossil fuels.
3. Noise Reduction:
o Quieter operation, especially in urban areas.
Environmental Impacts:
1. Reduced Emissions:
o Hybrid vehicles emit less CO2 and other pollutants compared to conventional
vehicles.
2. Transition Technology:
o Acts as a stepping stone toward full electrification.
3. Sustainable Mobility:
o Reduced strain on fossil fuels and mitigates urban air pollution.
6. Overview of Hybrid Vehicle Architectures
1. Series Hybrid:
o Configuration: The electric motor drives the wheels, and the ICE acts only as a
generator to charge the battery.
o Advantages: High efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
o Disadvantages: Less efficient at high speeds.
o Example: Chevrolet Volt.
2. Parallel Hybrid:
o Configuration: Both the ICE and electric motor are connected to the drivetrain, and
either can power the wheels.
o Advantages: Efficient for highway driving and urban conditions.
o Disadvantages: More complex design.
o Example: Honda Insight.
3. Series-Parallel Hybrid:
o Configuration: Combines features of series and parallel systems, allowing the
vehicle to switch between them as needed.
o Advantages: Most efficient and versatile design.
o Disadvantages: Most complex and expensive to produce.
o Example: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Toyota Prius).
Challenges of Hybrid Vehicles
1. High Initial Costs:
o Expensive components like batteries and electric motors increase the price.
2. Complex Technology:
o Integration of ICE and electric systems makes hybrids mechanically and
electronically complex.
3. Battery Lifespan:
o Limited battery life results in replacement costs and environmental concerns.
4. Limited Electric Range:
o Fully electric driving is restricted in most hybrids, unlike EVs.
5. Infrastructure Requirements:
o Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) require charging infrastructure similar to EVs.

4. Comparison of Conventional, Hybrid, and Electric Vehicles


Aspect Conventional Hybrid Vehicles Electric Vehicles
Vehicles
Energy Source Petrol/Diesel Petrol/Diesel + Electric Electricity (batteries)
Emissions High Moderate Zero tailpipe emissions
Fuel Low Higher Highest
Efficiency
Initial Cost Low Moderate High
Running Cost High Moderate Low
Maintenance Simple Complex (dual systems) Simple (battery-
dependent)
Infrastructure Fuel stations Fuel stations + charging Charging stations
(PHEV) required

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