EV 101
There are actually four types of electric vehicles. The type most people associate with “EVs” is called a “Battery Electric Vehicle” — or “BEV.”
However, there are also “Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV),” “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles” and “Hybrid Electric Vehicles” which we’ll discuss below.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) has no gasoline engine. All the car’s energy comes from the battery, which powers an electric motor. BEVs have zero emissions, and they’re very quiet. In fact, in most models, a sound is added to alert pedestrians. The “range” (or distance you can travel on a charge) varies between models and years, but most BEVs can get anywhere from ~75 – 500 miles on a single charge.
Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
An Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) primarily operates on electricity, with a small specialized internal combustion gasoline engine (ICE) + a small fuel tank functioning as a generator to extend its range. The powertrain is fully electric, offering the drive and handling of an EV, while the small gas tank allows refueling at gas stations. EREVs have smaller batteries than a standard EV, but larger batteries than PHEVs. They are well-suited for both larger vehicles, using the gas engine to charge the battery for heavy loads, and long distances, addressing issues with costly battery packs and gaps in charging infrastructure. EREVs combine the convenience of a gas car with the benefits of an EV, such as improved performance and energy efficiency.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
For those not quite ready to take the “electric plunge,” there’s another type of hybrid EV called a “Hybrid Electric Vehicle” — or “HEV.” HEVs are powered by a traditional ICE. These are usually fueled exclusively at the gas pump, and cannot be plugged in. In some HEVs, the ICE both recharges the electric battery and drives the transmission, while in others the ICE only recharges the battery (which drives the electric motor). In both cases, HEVs are gasoline-powered cars that emit much lower pollutants than a typical gasoline car.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
The third type of EV is called a “Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle” — or “PHEV.” PHEVs have both a traditional ICE and tank, and they also have a charging port to recharge an electric motor and battery. They generally have a shorter 20-60 mile electric range. Configurations may vary, but PHEVs often use a parallel setup where both the electric motor and the gas engine can drive the wheels directly. For most Americans, the average daily commute is about 15 miles, so the typical electric range of a PHEV is perfect for a commuter who can recharge at home or on the go. Once the electric range is depleted, or if high power is needed (e.g. highway passing), the vehicle reverts to hybrid mode and relies on its gasoline engine.
