Abstract:

PEVs are back and ready to compete with and complement the ubiquitous ICE technology. First, advances in electric-drive technologies enabled commercialization of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which integrate an ICE or other power source with batteries, regenerative braking, and an electric motor to boost fuel economy. Continued technological advances have spawned plug-in HEVs (PHEVs), which integrate small ICEs (or other power sources) and large, gridchargeable batteries that enable all-electric driving ranges of 10 to 40 miles or more. Advanced technologies have also enabled manufacturers to introduce a new generation of EVs that don’t use an ICE at all.