ABSTRACT
Modern Electric Vehicles are increasingly popular alternatives to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles mainly because of their environmental impact, energy efficiency, and lower operating costs. Electric Vehicles (EVs) use rechargeable batteries, especially the lithium-ion type, for their power generation. This battery provides electrical energy to the electric motors, which convert it into mechanical energy to rotate the wheel of the vehicle. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) consist of an ICE, electric motors, and a battery. This combination helps improve the efficiency of the vehicle. In HEVs, the ICE and electric motor can provide the necessary mechanical energy together or separately. The HEV requires an advanced control system for its operation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) are those that generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. In an HFCV, the hydrogen is stored in a tank while, simultaneously, oxygen is taken from the air, and in the fuel cells, both of them are combined. A chemical reaction in the fuel cell produces water, heat, and electricity. This chapter also provides the advantages and disadvantages of the EV, HEV, and HFCV.
