What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, consumers may encounter several options when searching for a specific type of EV. Below, we have summarized some of the most common ones.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

When discussing EVs, a Battery Electric Vehicle is typically what is being referred to. These vehicles run solely on electricity and do not use a gasoline engine. The rechargeable battery pack powers the vehicle, making BEVs zero-emission vehicles that don't generate harmful tailpipe emissions or air pollution hazards like gas-powered vehicles do.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle combines a gas-powered engine with an electric motor. The battery can be recharged through regenerative braking, which repurposes the braking energy that is typically lost as heat in the brake pads and rotors in a traditional gas-powered engine. In a hybrid, this energy is utilized to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle also utilizes both an engine and an electric motor. Similar to a hybrid vehicle, it can partially recharge its battery through regenerative braking. However, PHEVs typically have a larger battery and the ability to plug into a grid for recharging. They can travel several dozen miles on all-electric power before the gas engine takes over, and can travel a distance on a tank of gasoline once the all-electric range is depleted.