From Combustion to Electricity
The growing market section of new energy cars firstly the leadership of which is taken by Tesla has now growing into a prospecting industry now joined by also Chinese companies like BYD and HUAWEI have accelerated the industrial transition in terms of production and development [1], and meanwhile has caused prosperous emergence of bunches of related branches and sub-industries like energy battery research & development, ICTs, power electronics and conversion technologies.
One of the fact to avoid ambivalence is that NEV’s does not stand for “Neighbourhood Electrical Vehicles”, yet refers to all vehicles driven by electrical powers including fully battery-powered vehicles, PHEV (plug-in Hybrid Vehicles), REEV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) and even FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) which are still in their primitive stage of development.
Actionpower works tightly with NEVs manufacturers, EVSE companies, among with others who are involved in the industry of electrical vehicles to provide testing solutions and systems that can verify their products compliance with applicable international standards and by simulating various working condition to test their performance. You can find more information by visiting our EV Testing Solution page to get more information.
Primary Types of NEVs
Fully Battery Powered Electrical Vehicles
Referred to with abbreviation of BEVs, fully battery-powered electrical vehicles comes with an onboard battery pack, usually lithium-ion, to which energy is stored and from where it is discharged to provide power to the EVs electrical drive system which is typically composed of MCUs and motor.
The benefits of propulsion from a totally electric motor driven system supported and powered solely by battery are highlighted by the no-combustion feature with zero tailpipe emissions (let us just suppose that EVs have such kind of structure), among with other advantages such as quiet operation, lower running costs.
BEVs are charged by external charging sources, known as EVSE, and typically known as charging stations (public AC charging stations or DC fast chargers) which are fed with power from the utility grid and transferred by power electronics technologies to charge EVs in the proper pattern.
Plug-In Hybrid Electrical Vehicles
You may have heard of the technology called dm-i (dual mode-intelligent technology) or dual-power setup in case that you are a freak of BYD’s new energy vehicles.
PHEVs combines the traditional internal combustion engine with a battery-powered system similar to that of EVs together with a complex BMS and MCUs to achieve regenerative breaking that can recharge the battery during the driving.
PHEVs can be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery rather than a conventional hybrids like a 48V mild hybrid technology that only uses motor systems as auxiliary device during accelerating and starting. The combined flexible switching during combustion and electrical enables greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and flexibility for both short commutes and long-distance driving without the range anxiety of driving an EV.
What are the Benefits of NEVs?
Environmental Benefits
- Zero or low tailpipe emissions, helping reduce air pollution
- Supports carbon neutrality and climate goals
- Enables integration with renewable energy sources (e.g. solar + storage)
Energy Efficiency
- Electric drivetrains are significantly more efficient than combustion engines
- Regenerative braking captures and reuses energy during deceleration
- Better overall energy conversion and reduced waste
Lower Operating Costs
- Reduced fuel costs — electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline
- Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance needs
- Government subsidies, tax incentives, and EV rebates in many regions
Driving Experience & Technology
- Instant torque and smooth acceleration
- Quieter ride and low vibration
- Equipped with advanced tech: ADAS, OTA updates, smart infotainment, etc.
Industry Innovation & Economic Growth
- Drives development in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and smart mobility
- Creates opportunities across testing, manufacturing, and energy storage sectors
Frequently Asked Questions About NEVs & Testing Solutions
What does NEV stand for?
NEV stands for New Energy Vehicle. It refers to vehicles that use electric power (fully or partially) instead of traditional fossil fuels. NEVs are central to the global shift toward sustainable transportation, supported by government incentives and emissions regulations worldwide.
What types of vehicles are considered NEVs?
NEVs include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). BEVs run entirely on electric power, PHEVs combine electric drive with a fuel engine, and FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity.
Are NEVs environmentally friendly?
Yes. NEVs significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, especially when powered by renewable energy. They also help decrease reliance on imported oil and fossil fuels, contributing to long-term energy sustainability.
What is regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking allows electric vehicles to recover energy during deceleration or braking by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. This energy is stored back in the battery, improving energy efficiency and extending driving range. It also reduces brake wear and system load.
Why is testing important for NEVs?
NEVs operate under high voltage, high current, and strict safety demands. Testing ensures the reliability, performance, and compliance of critical systems such as batteries, inverters, and chargers under various operating conditions. It supports R&D, certification, and production quality control.
What components of NEVs are typically tested?
Key components include the battery pack and BMS, OBC/BOBC chargers, DC-DC converters, inverters, drive motors, and EVSE charging systems. These are tested for performance, efficiency, thermal behavior, communication compatibility, and protection mechanisms.
What equipment is used for NEV testing?
NEV testing uses equipment such as battery test systems (BTS), bidirectional power supplies, regenerative loads, grid simulators, and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) platforms. These systems enable programmable test conditions, automated routines, and data logging for accurate and repeatable validation.
What standards are NEV tests compliant with?
NEV testing complies with international and national standards like GB/T 31467, GB/T 18487, IEC 61851, ISO 26262, and UL 2202. These standards define how to assess safety, performance, life cycle, and interoperability of power systems and electric drivetrains.
Can one platform test multiple NEV systems?
Yes. Modular test platforms like ACTIONPOWER’s BTS or Power HIL systems can test batteries, converters, chargers, and power electronics within one solution. Multi-channel support and real-time simulation improve efficiency while reducing hardware redundancy.
ies across testing, manufacturing, and energy storage sectors
