Whether you are looking for a new car, thinking of making a switch to a more environmentally-friendly one or simply curious what all the torque talk about electric vehicles is about, here is our quick guide to the electric drivetrain.
The automotive industry is lighting up the way for more electric vehicles (EVs for short). With all the push and buzz around this, more drivers are prepared to make the switch to an EV. There are three main types of electric vehicles in Singapore – battery (or fully electric), plug-in hybrid, and hybrid.
a. Battery Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by electricity. A BEV does not produce carbon emissions locally as it does not have an internal combustion engine. Its battery is recharged through an external source of electric power.
While range anxiety persists, BEVs such as the BMW iX3 and BYD ATTO3 actually have more than enough juice that exceeds the daily commuting needs of the average driver.
What we love: Brownie points for environmental friendliness and going the distance!
CHECK OUT BYD’S ELECTRIC VEHICLES
2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by an internal combustible engine and an electric motor. They can be quickly recharged by plugging into an external source of electrical power.
As PHEVs run on both electricity and petrol, it results in lower fuel consumption as well as carbon emissions. PHEVs also have larger batteries compared to normal hybrids, so you get to cover more ground.
PHEVs offer the best of both worlds and car manufacturers are leading the charge in rolling out more models for you to choose from. BMW, for example, offer such hybrids across its different series of cars, including the BMW 530e, BMW 745Le Sedan, and BMW X5 xDrive45e to meet the different lifestyle needs of drivers.
What we love: No need to worry that you’d run out of juice while driving!
>>CHECK OUT BMW’S ELECTRIC VEHICLES
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3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) run on an internal combustion engine and electric motor. They cannot be plugged in for recharging. Instead, this is done through regenerative braking – basically, the energy generated by the friction of braking/deceleration is stored to charge the battery.
What we love: You get as good as you give; while you’re slowing down or decelerating, you are charging your electric vehicle at the same time!
Get on board the electric drivetrain
Singapore has set a target to replace all internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040. It has introduced a slew of measures and incentives to get drivers on board. Why not be an early adopter of the electric drivetrain and start reaping the benefits of driving one?
