Unboxing abbreviations: a snapshot of today’s vehicle powertrains

A couple of months ago, the internet embraced a wave of AI-generated nostalgia, with digital action figure packaging reimagining everything from classical philosophers to tech icons in retro toy box style. At Alphabet, we saw a chance to revive this creative format with a new purpose: shedding light on a topic that’s more than a passing trend – the rise of diverse vehicle powertrains. From BEVs to PHEVs to H-ICEs, the mobility landscape is evolving fast, and so is the list of acronyms. With so many technologies emerging in parallel, it’s getting harder to keep track of what’s what – and what fits which use case.

That’s why we’ve started our own toy collection: a playful yet structured way to bring clarity to the changing world of drive systems. Each drivetrain is a distinctive model in a modern collector’s series – built for a specific journey or strategy. From combustion to all-electric, the range of options for fleet managers has never been broader – or more vital to understand.

Let’s explore the seven most relevant powertrain types through this imaginative lens.

ICE | Internal combustion engine: The classic original

Packaged in chrome and nostalgia, the internal combustion engine has been a player on the automotive stage since 1886. Still widely used across global fleets, ICE vehicles, of course, rely on petrol or diesel and benefit from a well-established refuelling infrastructure and familiar maintenance cycles. Their energy density provides ever increasing long ranges, and their mechanical reliability continues to make them a default choice in many sectors.

While internal combustion engines (ICE) have historically powered the global transport revolution, their environmental impact has raised growing concerns over time. In response, ICE technology has evolved considerably over the decades, with modern engines achieving significant gains in both efficiency and cleanliness. Innovations in fuel injection, turbocharging, and exhaust treatment systems have reduced tailpipe emissions such as CO₂ and NOx dramatically compared to earlier generations. In many operational contexts, especially in long-haul transport and remote areas, advanced combustion engines still offer a practical and increasingly cleaner solution.

HEV | Hybrid electric vehicle: the fuel-saving strategist

Designed with subtle efficiency in mind, the HEV’s packaging might feature a smart balance of mechanical and digital elements – a nod to its dual nature. Hybrids combine a conventional engine with a small electric motor and battery, using regenerative braking and engine surplus to recharge the battery internally. The system seamlessly shifts between electric and combustion power based on driving conditions, offering efficiency gains and reduced emissions in urban stop-start traffic.

Their lower fuel consumption compared to conventional ICE vehicles contributes to reduced local air pollution and operational costs. However, since they cannot operate on electricity alone for extended distances, their environmental benefit remains modest when compared to plug-in hybrids or fully electric vehicles. While they provide a relatively seamless step away from traditional combustion engines, hybrids ultimately represent an intermediate stage in the broader transition toward electrification. 

PHEV | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle: the versatile performer

Designed with maximum flexibility in mind, PHEVs come equipped for both electric commuting and longer road trips. Unlike HEVs, they have a larger battery that can be charged externally and typically offer an electric driving range of at least 80 kilometres. Once that range is depleted, or even before, PHEVs can seamlessly combine the electric and combustion power to optimise performance and efficiency. Drivers can switch between electric, hybrid, and save electric modes based on their needs.

In Europe, most PHEVs use a Type 2 connector for AC charging. However, some models or manufacturers may also support CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging, common on public networks. While the overall infrastructure is becoming more unified, checking plug type and charger compatibility remains important, especially when crossing borders. This helps ensure smooth charging experiences without unnecessary delays.

PHEVs can significantly reduce overall emissions, particularly when daily, predictable routes can be completed on electric power, while the combustion engine remains available for irregular or extended trips. However, this flexibility comes with conditions. To realise their full environmental potential, PHEVs must be charged regularly; otherwise, the vehicle defaults to a heavier, less efficient combustion mode. Additionally, the dual system introduces complexity in maintenance and lifecycle planning, as both the combustion engine and the electric motor come with their own maintenance demands – from oil changes to battery checks or even replacement. But, used and maintained correctly, PHEVs are a highly strategic choice for fleets navigating both current demands and future regulations.

BEV | Battery electric vehicle: the zero-emission flagship

As the automotive industry continues its shift toward sustainability, the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) stands at the forefront of this transformation. With no reliance on fossil fuels, BEVs eliminate tailpipe emissions and operate with a simple yet efficient drivetrain, offering lower maintenance and reduced long-term costs.

The driving experience is smooth, quiet and increasingly competitive in terms of range and performance. As charging networks expand and battery technologies improve, BEVs are becoming suitable for an ever-wider range of use cases, from urban logistics to executive travel. Charging options vary, from regular AC charging to faster DC charging and even basic charging via domestic power outlets, each with different speed and suitability. While charging times are decreasing and range anxiety is receding, both factors still require consideration when planning routes or fleet duty cycles. With growing regulatory incentives and public pressure to reduce carbon footprints, the BEV is emerging as a cornerstone of many corporate mobility strategies.

BEV-Rex/REEV | Battery electric vehicle with range extender: the specialist

Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEV) operate like BEVs: they run purely on electric motors, powered by a grid-charged battery. The twist is the small combustion engine that activates when the battery charge drops below a predefined threshold – not to drive the wheels, but to recharge the battery.

This setup requires regular fuel to operate the range extender, ensuring that the vehicle remains functional even when charging infrastructure is limited or not widely available. The fuel tank is usually modest in size, often holding between 8 and 12 litres, as the engine is designed only for occasional use to extend range, not for continuous operation. While the BEV-Rex maintains a primarily electric driving experience, it offers an added contingency for longer trips. Though it may not qualify as a zero-emission vehicle in all regulatory environments, it remains a viable solution for those navigating areas with developing charging infrastructure or occasional range anxiety. The concept is not new, as we are now well into the electrification era, but it continues to serve a specific role in expanding the flexibility of electric mobility.

H-ICE | Hydrogen internal combustion engine: The Retro Futurist

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (H-ICE) represent an innovative approach that fuses the traditional combustion engine with hydrogen as a clean fuel, producing only water vapour as tailpipe output. The H-ICE benefits from the familiarity of conventional engine mechanics, enabling faster refuelling times and longer ranges compared to some electric counterparts. Thanks to the combustion-based setup, H-ICE vehicles also have the potential to deliver high performance and towing capacity, making them attractive for demanding transport tasks.

However, while hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is expanding, it remains limited in many regions, making it less practical for wide-scale adoption compared to battery-powered vehicles. Additionally, the production of hydrogen, particularly from non-renewable sources, can still result in significant emissions. Despite these challenges, H-ICE vehicles offer a potential solution for specific applications where fast refuelling, high output and longer ranges are crucial, such as in heavy-duty transport or remote areas.

FCEV | Fuel cell electric vehicle: The Alchemist

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity to power the electric motor. With only water vapour and heat as by-products, they can be a zero-emission solution – if the hydrogen is produced using renewable methods, such as electrolysis powered by green electricity – a process that is technically feasible but not yet widespread. FCEVs offer rapid refuelling and long range, making them particularly attractive for commercial fleets requiring long distances and quick turnaround times.

Yet, like H-ICEs, they face challenges around hydrogen sourcing and infrastructure, which remains limited and often reliant on fossil fuels. Nevertheless, FCEVs play an important role in the transition to cleaner transport, particularly in sectors where battery electric vehicles are less practical, such as long-haul trucking and heavy-duty applications.

Shaping the future through strategic choice

The landscape of vehicle powertrains is no longer binary. Each technology, like a character in a well-curated collection, plays a distinct role in meeting the mobility needs of today – and the sustainability demands of tomorrow. Fleet managers and decision-makers must navigate a growing matrix of options, balancing environmental goals with operational realities.

At Alphabet, we support this journey by helping organisations select the right combination of technologies for their business needs. Whether you are beginning the transition from combustion to electric, optimising your total cost of ownership, or exploring niche applications for innovative technologies, we provide insight and support across the entire mobility lifecycle.

The future of fleet is not one-size-fits-all – but it is increasingly electric, deeply strategic, and ready to be unboxed.