What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, there are various options available for shoppers to choose from. Here are some of the most common types of EVs summarized for your convenience.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

A Battery Electric Vehicle, often referred to as an EV, runs entirely on electric power and does not rely on gasoline. It uses a rechargeable battery pack for energy, making it a zero-emission vehicle that does not emit harmful pollutants or contribute to air pollution like traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle uses both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. It recaptures energy through regenerative braking that would typically be lost as heat during regular braking. This energy is then used to assist the gas-powered engine during acceleration.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle also uses both an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. Like an HEV, it can partially recharge its battery through regenerative braking. However, PHEVs typically have larger batteries and can be plugged into a power grid for recharging. They can run on electricity for several dozen miles before the gas-powered engine is needed. Once the electric range is depleted, they operate like a regular hybrid and can run on gasoline.