When exploring the electric cars on the market, it helps to understand the diverse types of vehicles available. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) are the key options you’ll have to choose from: so, what is the difference? To find out more, we’ve defined and compared the different types of electric and hybrid vehicles below.
BEV stands for battery electric vehicle. These vehicles are fully electric with rechargeable internal batteries and don’t require petrol or diesel for power. The vehicle is powered solely by electricity from an internal battery pack, which is recharged from mains electricity. BEVs are zero-emission vehicles and they don’t have a tailpipe.
BEVs continue to gain popularity as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, allowing drivers to minimise their environmental impact whilst benefiting from a smooth yet exhilarating driving experience.
There are a variety of benefits that come with BEV cars, such as zero emissions, increased energy efficiency, lower operating costs, a quiet driving experience, and instant torque.
A HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle. HEVs combine both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The hybrid nature of a HEV allows the vehicle to operate using either the conventional engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both — this typically depends on driving conditions. HEV vehicles cannot be plugged in to recharge, as the battery only assists the engine, and is recharged by regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking redirects energy lost through braking to assist the internal combustion engine whilst accelerating. In comparison, fuel-powered cars with internal combustion engines lose braking energy as heat in the brake pads.
Several advantages come with HEV vehicles, such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and the ability to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds.
A PHEV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Unlike a hybrid electric vehicle, PHEVs can be plugged in to charge externally in a home charger or a public charging station. They have a much larger battery than HEVs and can travel anywhere from 10-40 miles before their internal combustion engine needs to be used. Once the electric charge has depleted, a PHEV will switch to use its fuel reserve.
A few features differentiate PHEVs from HEVs and BEVs, including the dual power source, external charging capabilities, the ability to drive in an electric-only range, regenerative braking, and reduced fuel consumption.
When choosing a new electric vehicle, you’ll need to consider whether a fully electric BEV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid best suits your lifestyle. Let’s compare HEV vs BEV vs PHEV in the table below:
| Advantages | HEV | BEV | PHEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions | Limited electric-only range, operates mainly on fuel | Zero tailpipe emissions during operations | Zero tailpipe emissions during electric-only operation |
| Fuel efficiency | Improved fuel efficiency compared to fuel-powered vehicles | Excellent energy efficiency, does not rely on petrol or diesel | Enhanced fuel efficiency - especially when driving all-electric on short trips |
| Reduced environmental impact | Lower emissions compared to fuel-powered vehicles | A lower overall carbon footprint, promotes cleaner air | Lower emissions on all-electric trips with reduced dependence on fuel |
| Driving Range | A lower range due to fuel contribution | The range can vary depending on the model | Limited electric range but can switch to fuel on long journeys |
| Charging time | Cannot be externally charged | Charging depends on infrastructure and battery size | Charging time can vary but is often faster than BEVs due to the smaller battery size |
| Cost | Typically lower up-front costs than BEVs | Higher upfront cost with potential savings in tax incentives and fuel | Moderate upfront costs, with potential savings in fuel |
If you’re considering purchasing a hybrid car, you’ll have to choose between a plug-in electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. There are a few differences between the two:
Below, we compare the differences between driving a fully electric battery-powered vehicle and a plug-in hybrid. Factors to think about include:
When deciding whether to choose a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, it all comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
If you are committed to reducing emissions, a BEV may be the best option for you as they are generally emission-free. They’re great for short daily commutes, and with technology improving, the range is also increasing for longer journeys.
If you have access to charging infrastructure but would still like to have the peace of mind that your car is supported by an internal combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid may be the best option. A PHEV can be considered as the best of both worlds, allowing you to drive in electric-only mode over short distances, but giving you the support of an internal engine if you need to recharge.
If you don’t have access to charging infrastructure but you’d still like to make a positive change when it comes to emissions, a hybrid electric car could be a good choice, combining both an internal combustion engine and a battery that uses regenerative braking to recharge — no need for electric charging points.
Think about your usage, lifestyle, and environmental impact when choosing the best EV for you — whether that’s a fully electric car, like the ag尊龙 Dolphin, the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid, or the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid like the ag尊龙 Seal U DM-i, the choice is yours.
