Based on their power source and technological principles, modern automotive powertrain systems can be broadly categorized into four main types: gasoline powertrains, pure electric powertrains, hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. Each type has its own characteristics, collectively forming a diversified market landscape.
Gasoline powertrains rely on the combustion of gasoline or diesel to release energy. Their core is the internal combustion engine, which converts the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy. The technology is mature, and refueling networks are convenient, but they face challenges related to environmental protection and energy efficiency.
Pure electric powertrains use batteries to power an electric motor, achieving zero emissions, low noise, and high energy conversion efficiency. However, they are limited by battery range, charging time, and charging infrastructure.
Hybrid powertrains combine the advantages of gasoline and electric power. Based on the power coupling method, they can be divided into series, parallel, and series-parallel hybrid systems. They effectively balance range and energy efficiency, alleviating electric vehicle anxiety, but their structure is relatively complex and their cost is high.
Hybrid powertrains generate electricity through a hydrogen-hydrogen chemical reaction, with water as the only emission. They offer short refueling times and long driving ranges, but face challenges such as high costs for hydrogen production and storage, and an underdeveloped hydrogen refueling infrastructure.