UPSC Prelims 2025 · GS Paper I
Question 41: Science and Technology
Consider the following types of vehicles :
- IFull battery electric vehicles
- IIHydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- IIIFuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles
How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Alternative powertrain vehicles are those that run on something other than a conventional petrol or diesel internal combustion engine. A full battery electric vehicle runs on a battery and an electric motor. A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle makes electricity from hydrogen in a fuel cell to drive an electric motor. A fuel cell-electric hybrid combines a fuel cell with a battery. All three are alternative powertrains.
- I. Battery electric vehicles use a battery and an electric motor instead of an engine.
- II. Fuel cell vehicles make electricity from hydrogen.
- III. A fuel cell with a battery is an electrified alternative powertrain.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: all three are alternative powertrains.
- (b) Wrong: all three, not two, replace the petrol or diesel engine.
- (c) Right: battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and fuel cell-electric hybrid vehicles are all alternative powertrains.
- (d) Wrong: all three are alternatives to the conventional engine.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.