Taking the first step toward an electric vehicle might seem intimidating. Traditional powertrains have dominated the market for decades, but electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity. Many acronyms are used when talking about electric vehicles, and we're here to show you what each term means. Read on to learn about the differences between all the electric vehicle types and find the vehicle that is right for your lifestyle. Â
Electric Vehicle Types
Battery Electric Vehicles
Commonly known as all-electric vehicles or EVs, these models run on electricity only and must be recharged using an external power source. These powertrains don't have the same layout as a conventional engine, avoiding the use of fossil fuels and requiring less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts.
Charging an EV can be as simple as plugging it into your household outlet. You can also add a dedicated wall charger or standalone charging station for faster charging. Public charging lets you plug in at work or during a road trip.
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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are normally referred to as PHEVs. These models are a middle point between EVs and combustion engines. They have a gas-powered engine with an electric battery pack that is charged by plugging it in. PHEVs generally use their stored electricity before switching to a gas engine.
PHEV battery packs are smaller than EV battery packs, but the electric-only range of a PHEV can handle most commutes or errands. Recharging your battery every night means you can spend less time looking for a gas station during your commute.
ÂHybrid Electric Vehicles
Shortened to HEVs, these offer a gas-powered engine with an electric motor. Unlike PHEVs, an HEV does not get plugged in to recharge. You'll still be fueling up at gas stations, but it'll be less frequent than a combustion-only vehicle. These models don't use any special cables or charging stations but provide incredible fuel efficiency to let you handle your drive without planning as many stops.
Another type of hybrid is the Mild Hybrid Vehicle (MHEV). These models have much smaller battery packs for more niche purposes. Whether to enhance performance or power your electrical system, this battery pack optimizes the traditional performance instead of making a dramatic difference.
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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) use an electrochemical process to make electricity from hydrogen. They are more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and produce no harmful tailpipe emissions-they only emit water vapor and warm air. These vehicles do not use external charging. At the time of writing, this fuel type is in the early stages of development, making it far less common to see than the other types. Fueling time is similar to gas-powered vehicles.