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Prelims 2025 · Q41 · Energy technologies

Consider the following types of vehicles :

  1. I.Full battery electric vehicles
  2. II.Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
  3. III.Fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles

How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

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Answer: C. Statement I is correct: full battery electric vehicles run only on a battery and electric motor. Statement II is correct: hydrogen fuel cell vehicles make electricity from hydrogen on board. Statement III is correct: fuel cell-electric hybrids combine a fuel cell with a battery. All three replace the conventional petrol or diesel engine, so all are alternative powertrain vehicles.

Watch for: The trap is thinking only battery EVs count; any non-conventional drive system is an alternative powertrain.

Why the other options are wrong
  • A. Wrong: all three are alternative powertrains, not just one.
  • B. Wrong: all three are alternative powertrains, not just two.
  • D. Wrong: all three are alternative powertrains.

Source to check: IEA, Global EV Outlook; Ministry of Heavy Industries, FAME scheme pages.

Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.