What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?
As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) continues to increase, potential buyers are presented with a variety of options. We have summarized some of the most common types of EVs below.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
When referring to EVs, the term Battery Electric Vehicle is often used. These vehicles run solely on electric power and do not require a gasoline engine. The energy that powers the vehicle is sourced from a rechargeable battery pack. BEVs are known as zero-emission vehicles, as they do not produce harmful emissions or contribute to air pollution like gas-powered vehicles.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine. Regenerative braking can help charge the battery. During acceleration, the energy recovered from braking can assist the gasoline engine. Without a hybrid system, this energy would usually be lost as heat.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Similar to a regular hybrid, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. However, PHEVs typically have a larger battery and the option to charge from the grid. These vehicles can travel for several dozen miles on electric power alone before the gasoline engine takes over. Once the battery charge is depleted, PHEVs function as regular hybrids and rely on gasoline to run.
