What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As the popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) increases nationwide, shoppers may encounter multiple options when searching for the right EV. Below, we've outlined some of the most common types.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

A Battery Electric Vehicle is the type of EV typically referred to when discussing EVs. These vehicles operate solely on rechargeable battery packs, eliminating the need for a gasoline engine. As a result, BEVs are classified as zero-emission vehicles since they don't produce harmful emissions or contribute to air pollution as gasoline-powered vehicles do.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle incorporates both a gasoline-powered engine and an electric motor. The battery can be recharged through regenerative braking, which is a feature that captures energy produced during braking to help the gasoline engine during acceleration. Normally, this energy is lost as heat through the brakes, but with a hybrid, it can be repurposed.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle also incorporates both an engine and an electric motor, and can recharge the battery through regenerative braking. However, PHEVs differ from traditional hybrids in that they have larger batteries and can be plugged into a grid to recharge. PHEVs can travel for several dozen miles solely on electric power, after which the gasoline engine kicks in to provide additional power.