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Types of electric vehicles | EV updates

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 Types of electric vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) are primarily categorised based on their power sources and how they utilise them. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric cars powered solely by rechargeable batteries. They produce zero emissions and require external charging from electric sources.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) use both a rechargeable battery and a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). They can run on electric power alone for a certain distance and switch to the ICE when the battery is depleted.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and a battery-powered electric motor. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the ICE, not by plugging in.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which powers an electric motor. They produce zero emissions, with water vapour as the only by-product.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Power Source:

  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: BEVs are equipped with large lithium-ion battery packs that store electrical energy. These batteries are similar to those used in smartphones and laptops but are much larger and more powerful.

Operation:

  • Electric Motor: The stored electricity powers an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration.
  • Charging: BEVs must be plugged into an external power source to recharge their batteries. This can be done at home using a standard electrical outlet or a dedicated home charging station, as well as at public charging stations.

Charging Infrastructure:

  • Home Charging: Typically involves Level 1 (standard 120V) or Level 2 (240V) charging. Level 2 charging is faster and more efficient.
  • Public Charging: Includes Level 2 and Level 3 (DC Fast Charging) stations. DC Fast Charging can significantly reduce charging times, often providing an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

 Performance:

  • Range: BEVs have varying ranges depending on battery capacity and efficiency. Modern BEVs typically range from 150 to over 350 miles on a single charge.
  • Efficiency: Electric motors are highly efficient, converting a higher percentage of electrical energy into vehicle movement compared to internal combustion engines.

. Environmental Impact:

  • Zero Emissions: BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly. They help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, especially when charged with renewable energy sources.

Maintenance:

  • Low Maintenance: BEVs have fewer moving parts compared to traditional vehicles. This results in lower maintenance costs and fewer mechanical issues. Key components like the electric motor and battery require minimal maintenance.

Examples:

  • Popular Models: Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and BMW i3 are well-known BEVs available in the market.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Power Source:

  • Battery and Fuel: PHEVs have a battery pack that can be charged via an external power source and a conventional fuel tank for gasoline or diesel.

 Operation:

  • Electric Mode: PHEVs can operate in electric-only mode for short distances (typically 20-50 miles) using the battery. This is ideal for daily commutes.
  • Hybrid Mode: When the battery is depleted, the ICE takes over, or both power sources can work together to optimise performance and efficiency.
  • Regenerative Braking: The battery is also charged through regenerative braking, which captures energy usually lost during braking.

 Charging Infrastructure:

  • Home Charging: Similar to BEVs, PHEVs can be charged at home using a standard outlet or a Level 2 charger for faster charging.
  • Public Charging: PHEVs can also be charged at public charging stations, though they don’t rely as heavily on these due to their ICE backup.

Performance:

  • Range: PHEVs typically offer an electric range of 20-50 miles and an overall range (electric + ICE) comparable to traditional vehicles.
  • Efficiency: PHEVs are more efficient than conventional vehicles, especially on short trips using electric power.

Environmental Impact:

  • Reduced Emissions: PHEVs produce lower emissions than traditional vehicles, especially on short trips using electric power. However, they still emit some pollutants when running on gasoline or diesel.

Maintenance:

  • Moderate Maintenance: PHEVs require maintenance for both the electric and ICE components, but overall, maintenance is usually lower than traditional vehicles due to the reduced use of the ICE.

Examples:

  • Popular Models: Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Power Source:

  • Battery and Fuel: HEVs have a smaller battery pack compared to PHEVs, which is charged through regenerative braking and the ICE.

Operation:

  • Hybrid Mode: The vehicle uses both the electric motor and ICE to power the vehicle, either simultaneously or alternately, depending on driving conditions.
  • Regenerative Braking: The battery is charged through regenerative braking, which captures energy usually lost during braking.

Charging Infrastructure:

  • No Plug-in Required: HEVs do not require external charging; the battery is charged through the ICE and regenerative braking.

Performance:

  • Efficiency: HEVs are more fuel-efficient than traditional vehicles, especially in city driving where the electric motor is utilised more frequently.
  • Range: HEVs have a driving range similar to conventional vehicles, as they rely primarily on the ICE.

Environmental Impact:

  • Reduced Emissions: HEVs produce lower emissions than traditional vehicles due to their increased fuel efficiency and partial electric operation.

Maintenance:

  • Moderate Maintenance: HEVs require maintenance for both the electric and ICE components, but overall, maintenance is usually lower than traditional vehicles.

Examples:

  • Popular Models: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Power Source:

  • Hydrogen Fuel Cells: FCEVs use hydrogen gas stored in tanks, which reacts with oxygen in the fuel cells to produce electricity.

Operation:

  • Electric Motor: The electricity generated by the fuel cells powers an electric motor, providing propulsion for the vehicle.
  • Refuelling: Hydrogen tanks are refuelled at hydrogen fuelling stations, similar to refuelling a gasoline vehicle.

Charging Infrastructure:

Performance:

  • Range: FCEVs typically offer a range of 300-400 miles on a full tank of hydrogen.
  • Efficiency: They are efficient and provide quick refuelling times similar to conventional vehicles.

Environmental Impact:

  • Zero Emissions: FCEVs produce no tailpipe emissions, with water vapour as the only by-product, making them environmentally friendly.

Maintenance:

  • Low Maintenance: FCEVs have fewer moving parts compared to traditional vehicles, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

Examples:

Popular Models: Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

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EV Sales Soar Worldwide in 2025 as China Hits Record Milestone

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Electric car charging in a sunny open parking lot, with a charging station showing 100% battery, reflecting global EV growth in 2025.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has had a strong start to 2025, and the numbers are doing all the talking. According to the latest reports, global EV and plug-in hybrid sales jumped 24% in May compared to the same time last year.

And while overall growth is impressive, it’s China that’s truly making headlines: for the first time ever, the country’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales topped 1 million units in a single month. Meanwhile, total BEV deliveries globally are up 39.4% year-over-year in the first four months of 2025, clear proof that the EV shift isn’t just a trend anymore.

EV Sales Growth: A Global Picture

Across the board, the numbers show a rising appetite for electric and plug-in vehicles. While the 24% growth figure for May includes both BEVs and plug-in hybrids, it’s battery electric vehicles that are driving the bulk of the momentum.

A few patterns are becoming clear:

  • China continues to dominate in both production and sales, offering everything from entry-level electric city cars to premium SUVs. 
  • Europe is steadily advancing, helped by strong climate regulations and buyer incentives. 
  • The U.S., while playing catch-up, is finally seeing volume growth as Tesla expands, and legacy automakers get more serious about EV offerings. 

This global mix of market push and policy pull is turning EVs into a mainstream choice in more regions than ever before.

🇨🇳 China Hits 1 Million BEV Sales in a Month

Yes, you read that right—one million battery electric vehicles sold in one country, in one month.

China’s EV ecosystem is unlike any other. Brands like BYD, Wuling, XPeng, and NIO are pumping out a wide variety of models that appeal to nearly every income group. And they’re selling fast.

Government support continues to play a huge role. Local authorities offer everything from license plate benefits to EV-only zones in cities. Combine that with expanding fast-charging access—even in rural areas—and it’s no wonder the country’s adoption rate is breaking global records.

BEV Deliveries Up 39.4% in First 4 Months

If you look at the bigger picture, it’s battery EVs, not plug-in hybrids, that are growing the fastest.

Between January and April 2025:

  • BEV deliveries rose nearly 40% compared to the same period in 2024. 
  • Plug-in hybrids also gained, though at a slower pace. 

Why the shift? For one, battery prices have dropped, making EVs more affordable. Vehicle range is better. Charging networks are expanding. And perhaps most importantly, people are now seeing EVs as smart, reliable, and increasingly stylish options.

For many, the hesitation is over.

What’s Next for the EV Market?

Looking at the rest of 2025, there’s little doubt that growth will continue. Forecasts suggest:

  • EV sales may cross 16 million units globally this year 
  • BEVs could make up 70% of all electric vehicle sales 
  • More nations are expected to set firm phase-out dates for petrol and diesel vehicles 

Car brands are also adapting quickly. More EV launches are lined up for the second half of the year, and investments in battery plants and tech upgrades are accelerating.

The shift from “early adoption” to mass market is underway.

The data doesn’t lie—EVs are going mainstream, and fast. Whether it’s China’s million-car milestone or the nearly 40% global jump in BEV deliveries, one thing is clear: the age of electric mobility isn’t coming. It’s already here.

What once felt like a futuristic idea is now something millions of people are choosing each month. And as infrastructure catches up and models become more affordable, that number is only going one way—up.

 

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

 

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Tesla’s Robotaxi Vision: Elon Musk Gears Up to Launch 10 Driverless EVs, Targets 1,000 Soon After

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Elon Musk with Tesla Robotaxi – Launch Announcement 2024

When Elon Musk makes an announcement, people listen. This time, he’s setting the stage for what could be Tesla’s most ambitious move yet: fully driverless electric taxis. According to Musk, Tesla plans to put 10 Robotaxis on the road in the first week, followed by a rapid scale-up to 1,000 vehicles in just a few months.

It sounds bold—maybe even a little wild—but with Tesla, that’s usually how innovation starts.

What Exactly Is Tesla’s Robotaxi?

In short, it’s a car without a driver. No steering wheel, no pedals—just a fully electric, fully autonomous vehicle built specifically for ride-hailing. Unlike the Teslas we’re used to seeing on the roads, this one won’t be sold to the public. It’s meant to be part of a Tesla-run mobility service, kind of like Uber, but without the driver and without the app middleman.

It’s not a distant concept. The vehicle is already in the works, and Musk claims the design is futuristic—”Cybertruck-level” is the comparison he used. So yeah, this isn’t your average city cab.

When’s It Launching?

Musk says we’ll get our first real look at the Robotaxi in August 2024. After that, Tesla plans to launch a small fleet, just 10 cars to start, they can test the waters, collect data, and figure out what needs fixing before going bigger.

And if everything lines up—software, safety, regulators—Tesla hopes to push that number to 1,000 Robotaxis within a few months. That’s aggressive, but Tesla doesn’t exactly do slow rollouts.

How Will It Actually Work?

The Robotaxis will rely on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Version 12, which is less about rule-based coding and more about machine learning. Think of it like a car that doesn’t just follow a script—it learns how to drive the way a human does, by watching and doing.

If you’re a user, you’d open the Tesla app, tap for a ride, and one of these cars would show up at your location. You hop in, it takes you where you need to go, and you’re done. No driver, no tipping, no talking—unless you want to.

It sounds simple, but what’s happening behind the scenes is far from it.

Why This Matters

Tesla isn’t just building another vehicle—they’re building an entirely new way to get around. If it works, here’s what it could change:

  • Cost: Without a driver, rides could be way cheaper. Musk has hinted they might be more affordable than a bus ride.
  • Emissions: These are EVs. They’ll reduce carbon output in cities where pollution is already a serious issue.
  • Access: For people who can’t drive—due to age, disability, or cost—this could offer real independence.

In other words, this isn’t just a product launch—it’s a shift in how we think about car ownership, mobility, and even infrastructure.

What Could Hold It Back?

Of course, it’s not going to be smooth from day one.

  • Laws and policies: Driverless cars aren’t approved everywhere. Tesla will have to work city by city.
  • Trust: Are people ready to ride alone in a car with no driver? Some will love it, others will hesitate.
  • Technical risks: Even with all their data, unexpected stuff happens on the road. A pothole, a cyclist, a weird driver cutting you off—will the car know what to do every time?

And then there’s the elephant in the room: Tesla’s FSD still isn’t perfect. We’ve seen missed timelines before, so there’s room for doubt.

What’s Next?

August is going to be a big month for Tesla. Once those first 10 Robotaxis roll out, all eyes will be on how they perform. If they run smoothly, we could be looking at the early stages of a major shift in how transportation works.

Maybe in a couple of years, you won’t need to own a car. You’ll just press a button and a sleek, silent Tesla will pull up—no steering wheel, no driver, just you and your destination.

And honestly? That future doesn’t feel so far off anymore.

 

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

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Zomato Rolls Out Electric Bikes in Delhi to Drive Greener Deliveries

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Zomato Rolls Out Electric Bikes in Delhi

Zomato is taking another big step toward sustainability—and this time, it’s hitting the streets of Delhi. The food delivery giant has officially launched a fleet of electric bikes for deliveries across the capital. If you spot a Zomato delivery partner silently cruising by on a bike, chances are it’s electric.

This isn’t just a feel-good move. The company has been serious about going green, and this launch is part of its goal to make 100% of its deliveries electric by 2030. The rollout is starting with 300 e-bikes, and if all goes well, more cities could be next.

Why This Rollout Matters

Electric vehicles in food delivery aren’t new, but access has been limited, especially for gig workers. Buying an EV outright isn’t cheap, and not every delivery partner is ready for that kind of commitment.

That’s where this pilot stands out. Instead of asking delivery partners to buy the bikes, Zomato is offering them for rent, making the shift more practical and affordable. No loan, no down payment—just a low daily or weekly rental. It’s designed to remove the biggest barrier: cost.

Plus, the e-bikes are tailored for delivery—lightweight, reliable, and designed to zip through city traffic without guzzling petrol or burning a hole in your wallet.

Zomato’s Sustainability Timeline

This isn’t Zomato’s first green initiative. Over the past year, the company’s EV fleet has already helped avoid thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions—and they’ve got numbers to back it up.

Just last year, Zomato completed over 37 million EV-based orders, cutting down emissions by around 4,900 tonnes. To put that into perspective, it’s like planting over 2 lakh trees. And now with the new e-bike fleet, those numbers are only going to grow.

They’ve also committed to going net zero by 2033, so this isn’t a one-time campaign—it’s part of a larger mission.

How This Helps Delivery Partners

For most delivery riders, the cost of petrol is a constant headache. Many spend ₹300–₹400 a week just on fuel. EVs, on the other hand, cost a fraction to run and require almost no maintenance.

By giving riders the chance to rent electric bikes, Zomato is helping them save money and work more efficiently. No more worrying about rising fuel prices or wasting time at fuel stations. Riders can now focus on completing more orders and earning more, without added stress.

Some early riders have already shared their experience. “The bike is smooth and quiet. I don’t have to think about fuel anymore,” said one partner, smiling. “And the rental is cheaper than what I used to spend on petrol.”

Why Delhi First?

Delhi is the perfect place to test this kind of shift. The city has been pushing hard on EV adoption, offering strong policy support and better infrastructure. Plus, it’s one of Zomato’s busiest zones, which makes it an ideal testing ground.

With tighter roads, heavy traffic, and growing air pollution concerns, Delhi needs cleaner, quieter mobility—and that’s exactly what this pilot aims to deliver.

What to Expect Next

Zomato’s plan is simple: test this out, see what works, and improve before scaling up.

In the next few months, they’ll track everything—how many partners use the e-bikes, how reliable the system is, how often the bikes are rented, and whether it actually makes life easier for the riders.

If the results are positive (and there’s every reason to believe they will be), you can expect this to roll out in more cities soon. Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad are all on the radar.

This EV pilot from Zomato might seem small at first—just 300 bikes—but it could have a big impact. It’s a practical move that supports both the environment and the people who power the delivery ecosystem.

If it succeeds, it won’t just reduce emissions—it could completely change how last-mile delivery works in India. And who knows? The next time you order your favorite meal, it might show up faster, quieter, and greener than ever before.

 

Article By
Sourabh Gupta

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