Overview of energy systems for electric and hybrid vehicles

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been identified to be the greenest road transportation, while hybrid vehicles (HVs) have been tagged as the super ultra-low emission vehicles. They have their individual merits and demerits, leading them to have their unique roles in modern society. In this chapter, the definition and classification of EVs and HVs are first described. Then, their benefits and challenges are discussed. After revealing the multidisciplinary technologies for EVs and HVs, the energy system technologies are discussed, with emphasis on energy source systems, battery charging and management systems, and vehicle-to-X energy systems.