Zero emission vehicles

Types of ZEVs

There are 2 main types of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs):

Battery electric vehicles (BEV)

  • Powered by an electric motor only.
  • Produce no direct tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Fully zero emission when powered by renewable energy.
  • Energy stored in a battery.
  • Typical driving range of 300–550km.
  • Charged via external chargers and regenerative braking (kinetic energy captured during braking).

Queensland Electric Super Highway provides on-the-go charging options.

Hydrogen vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)

  • Emerging market technology.
  • Produce no direct tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Refuel at hydrogen refuelling stations—similar to regular service stations.
  • Fully zero emission when powered by renewable hydrogen.
  • Typical driving range of 300–600km.

In this guide:

  1. Benefits of ZEVs
  2. Types of ZEVs
  3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
  4. Costs and savings
  5. Environmental impact
  6. Batteries

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