What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) grows nationwide, shoppers may encounter various options when searching for an EV. We have summarized some of the most common types below.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

When discussing EVs, a Battery Electric Vehicle is usually what is referred to. These vehicles are fully electric and do not use a gasoline engine. The energy needed to power the vehicle comes from a rechargeable battery pack. BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles as they do not emit harmful pollutants from their tailpipes or cause air pollution like gas-powered vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses both a gasoline-powered engine and an electric motor. The battery can be charged through regenerative braking, which typically dissipates as heat with a traditional gasoline engine, but with a hybrid, the energy is reused to help the gasoline engine accelerate.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Like regular hybrid vehicles, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses both an engine and an electric motor, and they can partially charge their battery through regenerative braking. However, they differ by having a larger battery and the ability to plug into a grid for recharging. PHEVs can travel for several dozen miles using electric power alone before the gas engine provides support. When the electric power is depleted, they can travel like a regular hybrid using gasoline.