What Type of Electric Vehicles Are There?
As Electric Vehicles (EVs) become more common, it's important to know about the different types available. Here's a summary of the most popular options:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
The term "EV" often refers to Battery Electric Vehicles, which rely solely on a rechargeable battery pack and don't have a gasoline engine. BEVs emit zero tailpipe emissions or air pollution, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles combine an electric motor with a gas-powered engine. During braking, regenerative energy is captured to recharge the battery. HEVs use this energy to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration, making them more fuel efficient than traditional cars.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are similar to HEVs, but they can be recharged from an external power source as well as through regenerative braking. This allows them to run on electric power alone for a limited distance before the gas engine takes over. PHEVs are an attractive option for those who want to reduce their emissions, but still need the flexibility to travel longer distances.
