UPSC Prelims 2025Question 41Environment

Consider the following types of vehicles:
I. Full battery electric vehicles
II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles
How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

Options

(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)All the three
(d)None

Correct answer: c

Decision rule

Alternative powertrain is defined by the absence of an internal combustion engine, so battery, fuel-cell and fuel-cell-hybrid configurations all qualify.

Explanation

Correct Answer:

(c) All the three

Explanation of the Correct Answer:

All three vehicle types listed are considered alternative powertrain vehicles, as they use energy sources or propulsion systems that are alternatives to traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) powered by petrol or diesel.

Statement I. Full battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
- Correct. These vehicles run entirely on electric power stored in batteries and have no internal combustion engine.
- They are a primary example of an alternative powertrain, as they replace fossil fuels with electricity.
Statement II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)
- Correct. These vehicles generate electricity using a hydrogen fuel cell, which powers the electric motor.
- The powertrain is entirely different from ICEs and is classified as alternative due to the hydrogen-based energy source.
Statement III. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles
- Correct. These combine hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric systems, often allowing the vehicle to use either source as needed.
- This hybrid configuration is still entirely alternative, as both components are non-ICE.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

(a) Only one – Incorrect, as all three listed types are alternative.
(b) Only two – Incorrect, since all three qualify.
(d) None – Incorrect, as explained above.

Relevant Supplementary Information

Table: Classification of the Vehicle Types

Vehicle Type	Propulsion System	Primary Energy Source	Alternative to ICE?	Included in Alternative Powertrains?
Full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)	Electric motor only	Battery (charged with electricity)	Yes	Yes
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV)	Electric motor powered by hydrogen fuel cell	Hydrogen gas	Yes	Yes
Fuel Cell-Electric Hybrid	Electric motor powered by both fuel cell and battery	Hydrogen + Electricity	Yes	Yes

Related Concepts:

Alternative Powertrains: Include any propulsion system that does not use a traditional petrol/diesel ICE, such as:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs)
- Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Converts chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity via an electrochemical cell.
Powertrain: The mechanism that transmits the drive from the engine/motor to the wheels.

Current Relevance:

Governments, including India’s, are incentivizing alternative fuel vehicles under schemes like FAME II and National Hydrogen Mission.
The transition to alternative powertrains is a key strategy for meeting net-zero emissions and climate targets.
Major auto manufacturers are investing in diversified electric and hydrogen-based mobility solutions.

Table: Concepts Related to Alternative Powertrain Vehicles

Vehicle Type	Full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)	Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV)	Fuel Cell-Electric Hybrid Vehicle
Power Source	Rechargeable battery	Hydrogen fuel cell	Hydrogen fuel cell + battery
Energy Carrier	Electricity stored in battery	Compressed hydrogen gas	Combination of hydrogen and electricity
Primary Propulsion	Electric motor	Electric motor	Electric motor
Internal Combustion Engine?	No	No	No
Fuel Emissions	Zero tailpipe emissions	Only emits water vapor	Only emits water vapor or none
Refueling Time	Several hours (depending on charger)	~5 minutes (like petrol/diesel)	Moderate (depends on configuration)
Driving Range (Typical)	150–500 km	300–600 km	Comparable or higher due to dual system
Infrastructure Required	EV charging stations	Hydrogen fueling stations	Both charging and hydrogen refueling
Examples	Tesla Model 3, Tata Nexon EV	Toyota Mirai, Hyundai NEXO	Some advanced experimental vehicles
Alternative Powertrain?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Current Use/Adoption	Widely commercial	Limited adoption, growing interest	Niche/experimental

Definitions and Concepts

Term	Explanation
Alternative Powertrain	A propulsion system that replaces or supplements internal combustion engines with electric motors or other energy sources like hydrogen.
Electric Motor	Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy for propulsion.
Fuel Cell	Device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction using hydrogen and oxygen.
Hybrid Vehicle	Uses more than one power source (e.g., battery + fuel cell or battery + ICE).

Policy & Context

FAME II Scheme (India): Promotes Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (India, 2023): Focuses on creating infrastructure and technology for hydrogen-based transportation and industry.
Global Trend: Increasing focus on zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) for climate targets (e.g., Net Zero by 2050).

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Consider the following types of vehicles:I. Full battery electric vehiclesII. Hydrogen fuel cell vehiclesIII. Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehiclesHow many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?