All over the world, electric cars are becoming a must-have. From Hybrids to Electrics to Hydrogen, these powertrains promote environmentally-friendly driving while combining performance and autonomy.
All over the world, electric cars are becoming a must-have. With more than one in two vehicles powered by 100% electric motors, Leasys is contributing to the electrification of its customers' fleets in Luxembourg. Today, there are several types of electrified vehicle, each offering advantages to suit the needs of drivers. From Hybrids to Electrics to Hydrogen, these powertrains promote environmentally-friendly driving while combining performance and autonomy.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) combine two engines, one internal combustion (diesel or petrol) and the other electric. This dual motorization reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The electric motor assists or replaces the combustion engine. In this way, the electric motor takes over at moderate speeds, while above 25 km/h the internal combustion engine kicks in. As with light hybrids, the electric motor recharges itself automatically each time it brakes, thanks to energy recovery, with no need to connect to a charging station.
Mild hybrid vehicles (MHEV) are equipped with a small electric motor in addition to a combustion engine (diesel or petrol). The electric motor relieves the combustion engine under heavy loads, such as during acceleration, to increase torque, but does not provide 100% electric propulsion. This type of motorization offers greater energy efficiency and up to 10% better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engines. This technology is generally less expensive than full hybrid, and therefore more accessible to consumers.
In addition to a combustion engine, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) offer an electric motor with a larger battery capacity. They can be driven exclusively in electric mode over longer distances than a conventional hybrid, especially for daily driving. These vehicles plug into charging stations, hence the term “plug-in hybrid”. Once the electric motor is discharged, the internal combustion engine takes over. Plug-in hybrids offer greater range than full-hybrids. Adopting a PHEV means adopting new habits, notably regular recharging of the vehicle to maximize the use of the electric motor and reduce fuel consumption. If the vehicle is not charged regularly and runs solely on its combustion engine, the heavier weight of the two engines increases fuel consumption and the associated costs, pollutant emissions and wear and tear on the combustion engine and tires, as well as reducing driving comfort.
100% electric vehicles, or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), are powered entirely by one or more electric motors supplied by a rechargeable battery. These vehicles emit no CO2 emissions when they're on the road, and provide a quiet ride. Different models are available on the market, with autonomies that vary according to conditions of use. Today, technological innovations in the electric mobility sector mean that real-world ranges of over 500 km can be achieved on a single charge, which is enough for most daily journeys.
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Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use a technology in which a fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. The chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is created directly in the fuel cell, emitting only water vapor. These vehicles are therefore an environmentally-friendly solution. Hydrogen refuelling takes just a few minutes, and is carried out in the same way as for combustion-powered vehicles. These stations are similar to conventional service stations, with pumps adapted for hydrogen. These pumps are often distinguished by their blue color. However, the hydrogen distribution infrastructure is still limited.
In conclusion, the choice of motorization will depend on companies' preferences, needs and mobility policies, the autonomy required, and access to recharging infrastructures. Electric seems to be the most economical and ecological option in the long term, especially for those with access to regular recharging stations. With a range that is still perfectible but now sufficient for daily commuting, electric cars offer emission-free driving and significant fuel savings, and their limitations will diminish as technology advances and infrastructure improves. In the years to come, hydrogen could also become a competitive alternative.
