What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

The number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the roads is increasing nationwide, and there are various options available for consumers seeking an EV. Here, we've outlined some of the most prevalent types.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

When discussing EVs, a Battery Electric Vehicle is typically what people are referring to. These fully electric cars don't use gasoline engines, instead relying on rechargeable battery packs for energy. BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles, as they don't produce the harmful exhaust emissions or air pollution associated with 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 recharged through regenerative braking, which typically dissipates as heat in traditional gas-powered engines but is repurposed to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration in a hybrid.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle also employs both a gas engine and an electric motor. Like traditional hybrids, they can partially recharge their batteries through regenerative braking. However, PHEVs typically have larger batteries and can be plugged into the power grid to recharge. A PHEV can usually travel several dozen miles on electricity before the gas engine provides assistance, after which it operates like a regular hybrid and can travel using gasoline.