What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) increases nationwide, potential buyers may come across various options when searching for an EV type. We have provided a summary of some of the most commonly seen types of EVs below.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles are typically what people refer to when discussing EVs. These fully electric vehicles don't require a gasoline engine to operate, and instead rely on energy from a rechargeable battery pack. Since they don't emit harmful tailpipe emissions or pose air pollution risks associated with gas-powered vehicles, BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. Regenerative braking is used to capture energy for the battery. This energy is normally lost as heat in the brake pads and rotors in a traditional gas-powered vehicle, but in a hybrid, it is redirected to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles also use both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. Like traditional hybrids, they can partially recharge their battery through regenerative braking. However, PHEVs typically have larger batteries and can be plugged into the grid to recharge. A PHEV can drive several dozen miles solely on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in to provide assistance. After the all-electric range is depleted, a PHEV operates like a traditional hybrid and can travel on a full tank of gasoline.