What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more common, and consumers have several types to choose from. Let's take a look at some of the most popular options:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are fully electric, using a rechargeable battery pack to power the vehicle. As a result, they don't rely on a gasoline engine and are considered zero-emission vehicles, which means they don't emit harmful tailpipe emissions or contribute to air pollution.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) combine both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. HEVs capture energy during regenerative braking that is typically lost in traditional gas-powered vehicles, and then use that energy to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, but with a larger battery that can recharge from the grid. PHEVs can travel for several dozen miles on electric power alone before the gas engine kicks in. Once the electric range is depleted, the vehicle operates as a traditional hybrid and can run on gasoline.