Question 61 from UPSC CSE 2025 - S&T

Question

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. All three

Strategy: Focus on the phrase 'alternative powertrain vehicles'—this refers to vehicles using systems other than conventional internal combustion engines (ICE). All three listed: full battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and fuel cell-electric hybrid, use mechanisms that replace the traditional ICE setup. Each utilizes either batteries or fuel cells to power electric motors. There's no overlap or false data, so all three count as alternative powertrain vehicles.

Key Info: An alternative powertrain vehicle employs propulsion systems that differ from conventional petrol or diesel internal combustion engines.

- Full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by batteries, which supply electricity to an onboard electric motor. They have no tailpipe emissions and rely entirely on electricity, often featuring regenerative braking.

- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) use a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity, which then powers the electric motor. The only byproduct is water vapor. FCEVs are refueled with pressurized hydrogen and offer long driving ranges with short refueling times.

- Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles combine a hydrogen fuel cell with a secondary energy storage system (such as a battery or supercapacitor). The battery assists with additional power demands and energy recovery (like during braking), making these vehicles efficient and flexible.

Alternative powertrain vehicles are promoted for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving air quality, and meeting climate commitments. Governments and industry are investing in these technologies (e.g., India's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles—FAME—scheme) to encourage deployment and adoption.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None

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?

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?