What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular nationwide, and shoppers may encounter a variety of options when searching for an EV type. Here are some of the most common types summarized.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles are often the first type that comes to mind when discussing EVs. These fully electric vehicles don't rely on gasoline engines and instead run on rechargeable battery packs. Because they don't emit tailpipe pollutants or contribute to air pollution like gasoline-powered vehicles, BEVs are considered zero-emission vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both gasoline-powered engines and electric motors. They can also store battery energy using regenerative braking, which converts braking energy that would normally be lost as heat in traditional gas-powered engines to assist gasoline engines during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles also use both engines and motors. Like regular hybrid vehicles, they can partially recharge their batteries using regenerative braking. Unlike traditional hybrids, however, PHEVs have larger batteries and can be recharged by plugging into a grid. They can travel several dozen miles on all-electric power before switching to gasoline power when the battery is depleted.