The EV industry continues to evolve, driven by government initiatives, famous models, and the growing number of charging infrastructures. This comprehensive guide helps drivers understand how they can embrace EVs to contribute to a cleaner environment and brighter future. Whether an EV is right for you depends on your lifestyle and driving habits, including where and when you charge and whether you have access to public charging stations.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Many of us are familiar with HEVs. When the acronym is used without any additional clarification, it generally refers to a traditional hybrid electric vehicle that uses a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) to power the car but cannot be charged at an electrical charging station.
These vehicles use an ICE to drive the wheels. Still, regenerative braking captures and stores energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in the brake pads and rotors and uses it to assist the ICE during acceleration. The energy stored in the battery is also used to reduce refueling time by providing a source of electricity.
The most common type of hybrid is a parallel or series hybrid. Mild hybrid systems are limited to this mode and can only run in all-electric mode for short distances at low speeds. On the other hand, PHEVs can be driven in all-electric mode for up to 40 miles and can significantly reduce fuel usage compared to a standard ICE vehicle. As EV adoption continues to grow, fleet managers and drivers need to understand the different types of electric cars on the market and which is best suited for their needs. By doing so, they can help ensure that a smart EV charging strategy is implemented to maximize the benefits of this green technology and provide optimal performance for the different parts of an electric car.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
The Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is the most straightforward form of EV. Its propulsion comes from an electric motor powered by on-board storage batteries. The batteries are recharged from a standard 240-volt household outlet at home or one of the many public charging stations now available. EVs have far fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles and require significantly less maintenance. It can save fleets hundreds of thousands in annual maintenance costs. Additionally, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions and can be powered by renewable electricity from the grid, helping to reduce environmental impact.
As EV sales grow, manufacturers invest heavily in research and development of new battery technologies to improve energy density and cost. They are also increasing their supply chain ties, with some OEMs pursuing backward integration from pack assembly through cell production. It enables them to control their sourcing, ensure quality, and drive differentiation. EVs require much less fuel than conventional vehicles and can operate on plug-in hybrid electric power when the range is depleted. They are best suited for city driving, where regenerative braking can replenish the battery. Their range is often reported in miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). This number indicates how many miles a car can travel on a single charge using a quantity of electricity with the same energy content as a gallon of gas.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
As oil prices rise, consumers are shifting away from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in favor of more sustainable electric alternatives. The EV market is booming, and governments are incentivizing EV adoption by providing tax credits and investing in charging infrastructure. However, several operational challenges remain, including range anxiety and lengthy charging times. Rechargeable electric batteries power EVs and do not require fossil fuels. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) produce no tailpipe emissions and have all-electric driving ranges between 20 and 60 miles, depending on the model. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine an all-electric drive with a small internal combustion engine. They have driving ranges comparable to those of conventional gasoline vehicles.
Full hybrids achieve more significant reductions in fuel consumption than MHEVs by drawing on the electric powertrain for extended periods in situations where it offers significant efficiency advantages, such as acceleration from a stop or travel at the low speeds characteristic of urban driving. However, their larger batteries and more complicated drivetrains add weight and cost. Some PHEVs—“blended mode”—operate exclusively on electricity until the battery is almost depleted; at this point, they switch to using gasoline to continue operating the vehicle. As a result, these vehicles have two MPG ratings—one for when they are operating primarily on electricity and another for when they are using gasoline. Just like with gasoline vehicles, your EV range will vary due to factors such as weather conditions and accessory use.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
Vehicles with larger batteries that can be recharged from an external power source in addition to their internal gas engine are called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). They can operate on electricity for a finite number of miles before they run out of energy and must then turn to the gasoline engine to continue operating. PHEVs typically have much lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gasoline vehicles. They also can benefit from faster charging times and are often eligible for federal and state incentives. The battery in a PHEV is connected to the motor(s) through mechanical coupling, which allows both to drive the wheels.
This configuration can operate in parallel or series mode, depending on the model. The most efficient PHEVs can drive up to freeway speeds in mixed mode, using the electric and gas engines seamlessly without you even knowing it. PHEVs are best for drivers who commute short distances and take occasional longer trips that require them to use a gas engine. Because they use a conventional gasoline engine, they are more costly to purchase and own than pure BEVs. However, their savings in day-to-day fuel costs can offset the higher initial cost. They are also subject to the exact maintenance requirements as hybrids, including regular oil changes and replacement of timing and accessory belts.
