- High degree of independence from fossil fuels
- Charging system mutual to all NEVs
Since the past few months, we have seen patents and spy shots from Chery, MG, and BYD. The latter two also showcased upcoming technologies. Amidst the barrage of test sightings, patents, and showcases, a term has floated around quite a bit - NEV. What exactly is it? We explain.
NEV is an abbreviation for New Energy Vehicles. This is not a technical term or an umbrella term for a specific type of vehicle, but a powertrain trend wave typically found in the Chinese automotive industry. A powertrain’s degree of independence from fossil fuels puts it in this category. This means you are looking at hybrids and EVs, of which mild- and strong-hybrids are not counted, given that the drive is engine-dominated.
What Qualifies for NEVs?
EVs, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and REEVs (Range Extender EVs) are put in this category. This is because a large battery pack, as well as a dedicated charging system is mutual to all three. PHEVs and REEVs also house small-capacity engines for mile munching.
EVs are zero-emission vehicles in their production state, whereas PHEVs and REEVs have internal combustion engines (ICE) paired with a large battery to curb emissions and reduce the use of petrol. The latter two also have hybrid modes like:
- EV-only: The battery solely powers the traction motors.
- Series hybrid: The engine powers the generator motor, and the traction motor is powered by the battery.
- Parallel mode: Both the engine and the battery supply power for maximum performance.
- Engine-only: The engine connects to the traction motor.
However, PHEVs and REEVs differ slightly. Both have small engines and large batteries, but the engine never powers the traction motor in an REEV. When the battery reaches critically low charge levels, the engine springs into action, powers the generator motor, which charges the battery, and the battery powers the traction motor. The recently spied Chery Exeed Exlantix ET is an excellent example of an REEV.
Who Is Using the NEV Tech?
All existing EVs are primarily NEVs. Manufacturers like BYD and MG have showcased their NEV platforms, wherein BYD has specifically focused on PHEVs, and MG has gone a step further, with an REEV implementation charted out. We have compared both NEV technologies here.
The BYD Seal U DM-i, a PHEV, will go official by the end of this year. From MG’s stable, an EV and a PHEV will debut soon. Additionally, JSW-Chery has also patented several NEVs, and a few of them have been sighted in India. Expect the likes of the Jetour T2 and the Jaecoo J5 to debut this festive season.
