What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing across the country, and there are several options available to potential buyers. Below are some of the most common types.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles are often what people think of when talking about EVs. These vehicles run solely on electricity and do not have a gasoline engine. They are considered zero-emission vehicles because they do not emit harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases like traditional gas-powered cars.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. They can recharge their battery through regenerative braking, which captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. This captured energy is then used to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles also use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. They have a larger battery than traditional hybrids and can be plugged in to recharge from the grid. PHEVs can drive on electricity alone for several dozen miles before the gasoline engine kicks in. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle operates like a regular hybrid and can travel a distance on gasoline.