Battery electric vehicles (BEV)

BEVs are solely powered by electricity stored in a battery with the ability to charge using an external electricity source. 

How it works7 : 

  • BEVs are charged by electricity from the grid and storing it in a rechargeable battery pack
  • The electric motor takes power from the battery pack and uses it to propel the vehicle
  • Regenerative braking further charges the battery through the vehicle's kinetic energy. 

Features:

  • Low fuel cost, higher efficiency
  • Less wear and tear; BEVs have 90% fewer parts than traditional engine vehicles
  • Low maintenance cost
  • Improved driving experience
  • Zero tailpipe emissions
  • Offers environmental and health benefits due to less air and noise pollution.

Outlook:

  • Local, state, and national governments are offering incentives for greater uptake of electric vehicles worldwide
  • Various models and charging technologies are already available and in use globally due to increased interest in BEVs, falling costs, and technological advancements in recent years.

Typical use case:

Light to Heavy duty vehicles.

Implications for operations:

  • The range of BEVs has raises some concern as it is generally shorter than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles Hauling heavy loads can also potentially reduce the range of BEVs. BEVs can also have lower payloads due to the weight of batteries. However, with technological improvements, battery range and weight has significantly improved over the years and is expected to reach parity in this decade.
  • BEVs’ recharging time is longer than the refuelling time of an ICE vehicle. Improvements in battery and charging technologies, however, continue to increase battery range while reducing the time to recharge.
  • Considerations are needed for power upgrades due to electricity consumption.

7Australian government, Types of electric vehicles explained | Green Vehicle Guide https://greenvehicleguide.gov.au/News/Article/20220908_News_TypesOfElectricVehiclesExplained.
8US Department of Energy, How do all electric cars work, https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-all-electric-cars-work