Learn 4 Types of Electric Cars Available on the Market

Electric Car is a type of vehicle that uses an electric motor to operate instead of a traditional internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline or diesel. The energy to operate an electric car is provided by one or more rechargeable batteries.

In the context of increasingly serious climate change and environmental pollution, electric vehicles are gradually becoming an inevitable trend of the global automobile industry. According to data from Transport & Environment (T&E), electric vehicles reduce CO64 emissions by up to 2% compared to traditional gasoline vehicles and bring significant economic efficiency with operating costs 50% lower than internal combustion engine vehicles.

In Vietnam, the electric vehicle market is growing strongly with a forecast growth of 114,8% in 2024, reaching a value of 2,48 billion USD and expected to increase to 5,67 billion USD in 2029. In that context, learning about the types of electric cars, the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each type becomes more urgent than ever, helping consumers to make the right choice according to their needs and conditions.

This article will give you an overview of the current electric car market, analyze in detail the 4 most popular types of electric cars, compare the advantages and disadvantages, and guide you in choosing the right car for your needs.

Overview of Electric Cars

Electric Vehicle (EV) is a means of transport that uses electric energy from batteries to operate the engine, bringing many benefits such as environmental friendliness, cost savings, smooth operation and high performance. The electric vehicle market is growing strongly globally, with car sales in Vietnam increasing by 200% in 2023 and major car manufacturers investing in developing advanced electric vehicle technology.

1. Benefits of using electric cars

Using electric cars brings many practical benefits to both users and the environment:

• Environmentally friendly: Electric cars do not emit polluting emissions, contributing to reducing the greenhouse effect and improving air quality.
• Cost savings: Electric cars cost less to operate and maintain than fossil fuel vehicles.
• Smooth operation: The electric motor operates smoothly, without noise, providing a comfortable driving experience.
• High efficiency: Electric motors are capable of accelerating faster and more powerfully than internal combustion engines.

2. Current electric car market

The electric car market is growing strongly globally. According to a report by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), electric car sales in Vietnam in 2023 will reach 15.000 units, an increase of 200% compared to 2022. Major car manufacturers such as VinFast, Tesla, Hyundai, and Kia are investing heavily in developing new electric car models with advanced technology to meet the increasingly diverse needs of consumers.

4 Most Popular Types of Electric Cars Today

The electric car market today is very diverse with many different types of vehicles. However, they can be classified into 4 main groups based on technology and how they operate:

1. BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) – Battery electric vehicle

BEVs are vehicles that do not use an internal combustion engine (ICE) or fossil fuels. Instead, they are equipped with one or more electric motors, which use energy from lithium-ion batteries to operate. When the driver presses the accelerator, energy from the battery is transferred to the electric motor, creating traction to move the vehicle.

How it works: BEVs operate entirely on electricity stored in batteries. The electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing the vehicle to move. The battery is charged by plugging into the mains (home, public charging station, fast charging station).

Advantage:

• Zero emissions: No emissions that pollute the environment (CO2, NOx, SOx…).
• Low operating costs: “Fuel” (electricity) costs are typically lower than gasoline/diesel. Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance costs.
• High efficiency: Electric motors have higher energy conversion efficiency than internal combustion engines.
• Smooth Operation: The noise from the electric motor is very small, providing a smooth driving experience.
• Instant Torque: The electric motor delivers maximum torque instantly, giving the vehicle quick acceleration.

Disadvantages:

• Limited operating range: The distance traveled after each battery charge is limited compared to gasoline/diesel vehicles, especially in harsh operating conditions (hilly roads, cold weather).
• Battery charging time: Battery charging time is usually longer than filling up with petrol/diesel, depending on the type of charger and battery capacity.
• Charging infrastructure: The network of public charging stations is not yet widely developed in some areas.
• Battery cost: Battery production costs are still high, affecting vehicle prices.

For example: VinFast VF e34, VinFast VF 8, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV6, Nissan Leaf.

2. HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) – Hybrid vehicle (electric hybrid)

Hybrid cars, also known as Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), are vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This technology allows the vehicle to operate on both gasoline and electricity, providing many benefits in terms of fuel economy and reduced emissions.

How it works: HEVs combine an internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) and one or more electric motors. The electric motor assists the internal combustion engine when accelerating, starting or moving at low speeds, helping to reduce fuel consumption. Energy for the electric motor is generated through a regenerative braking system (energy recovery when braking) and the internal combustion engine. HEVs do not need to be charged from an external power source.

Advantage:

• Fuel economy: Lower fuel consumption compared to vehicles using only internal combustion engines.
• Reduced pollution: Lower emissions into the environment.
• No external charging required: No dependence on charging infrastructure.

Disadvantages:

• Operating efficiency is not as high as BEV: Ability to operate purely on electricity for short periods of time, mainly to support the internal combustion engine.
• Still using fossil fuels: Still emitting, albeit less.
• Maintenance costs: The system is more complex than a vehicle with only an internal combustion engine, which can increase maintenance costs.

For example: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic e:HEV, Ford Escape Hybrid.

3. PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) – Plug-in hybrid vehicle

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, with the ability to charge the battery from an external power source. This is a flexible transportation solution, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

How it works: PHEVs are similar to HEVs but have larger batteries and the ability to charge from an external power source (like BEVs). PHEVs can travel a certain distance (usually from a few dozen to more than 100 km) on electricity alone, then switch to hybrid mode when the battery is depleted.

Advantage:

• Combining the advantages of BEV and HEV: Capable of traveling completely electric over short distances, and also capable of traveling long distances thanks to an internal combustion engine.
• Fuel economy: Maximum fuel economy if traveling mainly within the electric operating range.
• Reduced pollution: Lower emissions than HEVs and vehicles using only internal combustion engines.

Disadvantages:

• High cost: Cost is usually higher than HEV due to more complex system and larger battery.
• Complex system: Both the internal combustion engine and the electrical system require maintenance.
• Heavy Weight: Larger batteries increase the weight of the vehicle.

Examples: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Volvo XC90 Recharge, BMW 330e, Mercedes-Benz C300e.

4. FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) – Hydrogen fuel electric vehicle

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, also known as Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), are a type of vehicle that uses fuel cells to convert the chemical energy from hydrogen gas into electricity. FCEVs are considered a clean transportation solution, emitting no toxic gases, only water and heat.

How it works: FCEV uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity. Hydrogen is stored in a tank on the vehicle, and when combined with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell, it produces electricity and water. This electricity is used to operate the electric motor.

Advantage:

• Zero emissions: The only by-product is water.
• Large operating range: Equivalent to gasoline/diesel vehicles.
• Fast refueling time: Equivalent to filling up with petrol/oil.

Disadvantages:

• New technology: Hydrogen fuel cell technology is still in development.
• High cost: Vehicle cost and hydrogen production cost are still high.
• Underdeveloped hydrogen filling station infrastructure: The number of hydrogen filling stations is still very limited.
• Efficiency: The overall efficiency from hydrogen production to vehicle use is still lower than that of BEVs.

Examples: Hyundai Nexo, Toyota Mirai.

Detailed Comparison of 4 Types of Electric Vehicles

Below is a comparison table of four types of electric cars based on some important criteria:

1. Comparison table

2. What is the best electric car?

Evaluating the best electric car requires two basic criteria: usage conditions and target users.

Under different usage conditions:

• Urban roads: BEV and PHEV are suitable choices thanks to their flexible mobility and compact size.
• Highway: HEVs and FCEVs are better suited to long distance driving and quick refueling.
• Hilly terrain: BEV with instant torque will deliver superior performance.

For different user groups:

• Individual: BEV with diverse designs, suitable for daily travel needs.
• Family: PHEV or HEV with spacious, comfortable space.
• Enterprise: BEV or FCEV with powerful, cost-effective operation.

Experience in Choosing Electric Cars

When choosing to buy an electric car, you need to clearly define your usage needs, budget and consider factors such as brand reputation, safety features, convenient design and battery charging system to make the most appropriate decision.

1. Determine usage needs

Before deciding to buy an electric car, you need to clearly define your usage needs:

• Purpose of use: Daily commute, travel, work…?
• Frequency of use: How many km per day?
• Number of people who regularly go with you: Family, friends…?
• Terrain conditions: Urban roads, highways, hills…?

2. Budget

Price is an important factor to consider when buying an electric car. You need to clearly define your budget to choose the right car model.

3. Other factors

4 factors to evaluate electric cars include: brand reputation, safety features, design/convenience and battery charging system.

• Brand and reputation: Choose reputable brands with good warranties.
• Safety features: Pay attention to safety features such as ABS braking system, EBD, electronic balance ESP, airbags...
• Design and comfort: Choose a car with a design that suits your preferences and needs.
• Battery charging system: Need to learn about the battery charging system, location of charging stations to ensure convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Cars

1. Are electric cars safe?

Electric cars Designed with strict safety standards, even with superior safety features compared to gasoline cars such as collision warning system, lane keeping assist.

2. How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

The time to fully charge the battery depends on the battery capacity and charger capacity. Typically, the time to fully charge the battery ranges from 4-8 hours with an AC charger and 30 minutes – 1 hour with a DC charger.

If you need to find a car charging station system in HCM, see more articles Top 99+ Electric Car Charging Stations.

3. What are the maintenance costs of electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles cost 30-50% less to maintain than conventional vehicles due to fewer moving parts, no need for engine oil changes, and regenerative braking that extends brake pad life.

4. Are electric cars affected by weather?

Extreme weather conditions such as extremely high or low temperatures can affect battery performance. However, manufacturers have researched and implemented technologies to minimize this impact.

5. How long is the battery life of an electric car?

Most electric vehicle batteries have a lifespan of 10-20 years or 150.000-200.000 km, depending on usage and maintenance. Many car manufacturers offer a battery warranty of 8-10 years.

6. How to extend battery life?

To extend battery life, you should:

• Charge the battery properly, avoid overcharging or letting the battery run out.
• Do not leave your car in hot sun for long periods of time.
• Use energy saving driving mode.

7. Should I buy a used electric car?

Job Buy a used electric car can help you save money. However, you need to carefully check the condition of the battery, electrical system and maintenance history of the car.

8. Where to buy quality used electric cars at good prices in HCMC?

Thanh Phong Auto - The leading prestigious address in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in buy and sell used cars used. With many years of experience in the automotive industry, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to bringing customers the best car buying and selling experience.

We offer:

• Diverse choices: Rich car inventory with many brands, models, and types, from popular cars to luxury cars, electric cars to gasoline cars, meeting all customers' needs and preferences.
• Quality assurance: Each vehicle undergoes strict technical and legal inspection, ensuring clear origin, no collisions or flooding.
• Competitive prices: Reasonable, transparent prices, with many attractive incentives for customers.
• Financial support: Consulting and supporting customers to borrow money to buy cars with preferential interest rates and quick procedures.
• Considerate after-sales service: Warranty, periodic maintenance, 24/7 technical support.

Why should you choose Thanh Phong Auto?

• Reputation: Building customer trust over many years of operation.
• Professional: A team of knowledgeable staff about cars, dedicated to customer service.
• Transparency: Vehicle information is clear, accurate, and free of fraud.

Coming to Thanh Phong Auto, you will not only find the car you want but also experience professional, dedicated and reliable car buying and selling services. Contact us now for the best advice and support!