Electric Vehicle Types: All About BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs and FCEVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking centre stage as the automotive world approaches sustainability. With multiple electric vehicle types available in the market, there is a lot of confusion that you could face while choosing your EV. So, I have created this guide to help you with that. Here, I share all the necessary information on different types of EVs so you are empowered with the necessary knowledge to make the best choice for yourself.

This guide delves into the for main electric vehicle types: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). Each type offers unique benefits and suits different driving needs. I share with you the key features, advantages, and considerations of the electric vehicle types available today. Let’s begin.

Exploring Electric Vehicle Types

Let us first begin by exploring the various types of EVs. Let me break down the four main types of EVs so you can get a grip on what each one offers.

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are the pure EVs. They don’t have a gas engine and just have a battery that powers the vehicle. This means zero emissions. BEVs come with rechargeable batteries that you can charge using fast chargers or Level 2 (L2) chargers. Depending on the model, you can get anywhere from 80 to over 300 miles on a single charge, and the range keeps getting better every year.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are the second type. They mix an electric motor with a gas engine. They have a bigger battery than regular hybrids, letting you drive on electric power alone for 10 to 50 miles before the gas engine takes over (EVgo). You can charge PHEVs using L2 chargers, and they offer a total range of up to 620 miles when you combine both electric and gas power (EV Equity).

3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

The third type is Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). They use an electric motor that is charged through a process called regenerative braking. Essentially, the engine of a hybrid vehicle works like a power generator. It is continually being recharged through regenerative braking, which is the process that occurs when the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted back to stored energy upon you braking and bringing the car to a stop.

This process of recharging is what contributes to your hybrid’s exceptional fuel economy where the electric motor supports the gas engine. Unlike PHEVs, you can’t plug these in to recharge as they rely on gas to keep going. The electric motor in HEVs boosts fuel efficiency and cuts down on emissions compared to regular gas cars.

4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) is the fourth type. These vehicles use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which then powers an electric motor. FCEVs combine the zero-emission benefits of battery electric vehicles with the quick refueling times of conventional cars. They produce only water vapor as a byproduct. This makes them environmentally friendly.

FCEVs can travel up to 300-400 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, which can be refilled in just a few minutes at hydrogen fueling stations. However, the limited hydrogen infrastructure currently poses a challenge to widespread adoption.

Electric Vehicle Types: BEVs

Now let us go one step further and explore all the electric vehicle types in detail. The first is Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Let’s break down all details about them.

1. Features of BEVs

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run purely on rechargeable batteries. No gas engines—just clean, electric power. This means zero tailpipe emissions, making them a top pick for eco-warriors (EVgo). Here are its key features:

• Electric Powertrain: Runs on electricity stored in a battery.
• Zero Emissions: No tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air.
• Charging Capabilities: Options for fast charging and Level 2 (L2) charging, making it easy to charge.
• Advanced Tech: Many come with cool features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and fancy infotainment setups.

2. Advantages of BEVs

BEVs bring a lot to the table for both drivers and the planet. Here’s why they are good:

• Environmental Impact: Zero tailpipe emissions mean less greenhouse gases and cleaner air.
• Lower Operating Costs: Electricity is cheaper than gas, and fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance costs.
• Quiet Operation: They’re super quiet, making for a peaceful ride.
• Incentives and Rebates: Governments often offer perks for buying BEVs, making them easier on the wallet.

3. Range and Charging

When thinking about BEVs, range and charging are big deals. Modern BEVs have come a long way in these areas.

Data from DriveElectric

• Driving Range: BEVs can go from about 80 to over 300 miles on a full charge. For instance, the Tesla Model S Long Range can hit 379 miles, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS Saloon boasts a whopping 487 miles. Most electric cars today can cover 150-300 miles, perfect for both short trips and long commutes.
• Factors Affecting Range: Things like battery size, vehicle size, aerodynamics, battery heating efficiency, and outside temperature can impact range.
• Charging Options: You can charge BEVs almost anywhere—from home setups to public stations. Fast charging is available for quick top-ups on the go.

Now you can stop being worried about running out of charge. Modern electric cars can travel 140-350 miles per charge, making range anxiety a thing of the past.

Electric Vehicle Types: PHEVs

The next type is Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).

1. What Makes PHEVs Tick?

PHEVs are like the Swiss Army knives of the car world. They mix an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, giving you the best of both worlds. PHEVs have bigger batteries than regular hybrids, and you can charge them up by plugging into a standard outlet or a dedicated charging station.

PHEVs charge their batteries in two main ways:

• Plugging into the grid: Using a Level 2 (L2) charger, which you’ll find at most public charging stations.
• Regenerative braking: This allows for charging  through regenerative braking, which basically is that when you hit the brakes of the vehicle, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted and used to recharge the vehicle’s battery.

2. Why PHEVs Rock

PHEVs bring a lot to the table. To state a few facts:

1. Extended Range: PHEVs combine electric and gasoline power, so you can travel longer distances. When the electric charge runs out, the gasoline engine kicks in, so you’re never left stranded.
2. Fuel Efficiency: For short trips, you can run on electric power alone, cutting down on fuel use and emissions. That’s a win for your wallet and the planet.
3. Flexibility: The dual power system means you’re covered for all kinds of driving. Electric power is perfect for city commutes, while the gasoline engine is great for road trips where charging stations might be scarce.
4. Lower Operating Costs: Running mostly on electric power can save you a ton on fuel. Plus, many places offer incentives and rebates for PHEV owners, making them even more affordable.

3. Electric and Gasoline Range

How far can a PHEV take you? Let’s break it down:

Data from EVgo and EV Equity.

PHEVs usually offer an electric-only range of 10 to 50 miles, depending on the model and battery size. Once the battery’s drained, the gasoline engine takes over, giving you a total range of up to 620 miles (EV Equity). This setup lets you enjoy electric driving for short trips and rely on gasoline for longer journeys.

Electric Vehicle Types: HEVs

1. HEVs Overview

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) mix a gasoline engine with an electric motor to boost fuel efficiency and cut down on emissions. Unlike Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), HEVs don’t need to be plugged in to recharge. They run on gasoline and use regenerative braking to power their electric motor (EVgo).

2. How HEVs Work

HEVs use both gasoline and electric power to get you moving. The electric motor helps out the gasoline engine, especially when you’re accelerating or driving at low speeds, which saves fuel. Regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise be lost and stores it in a small battery.

Both the gasoline engine and the electric motor power the wheels, making HEVs more fuel-efficient than regular gasoline cars.

3. HEVs’ Shortcomings

HEVs have their perks, but they’re not perfect. One big downside is they can’t run on electric power alone, so they still use gasoline and produce emissions. Plus, since they can’t be plugged in to recharge, they miss out on some incentives and programs that BEVs and PHEVs can get.

So we just discussed the various electric vehicle types. You see, all the three electric vehicle types discussed above have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Knowing all of these can help you choose your EV better. For mode details on how to charge your EV, you can read my blog on EV charging 101.

Now, before we move ahead let us discuss another technology that might not be electric but is green.

Electric Vehicle Types: FCEVs

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the cool new kid on the block. FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, powering an electric motor. They produce only water vapor as a byproduct, making them environmentally friendly

1. Why Hydrogen Fuel Rocks

Hydrogen fuel cells work on a technology that only emits water when running, so no nasty greenhouse gases polluting the air. Plus, they can go the distance just like your regular gas car and fill up in a flash. Perfect for those long road trips. Hydrogen packs a punch with the highest energy content by weight among common fuels.

2. Efficiency and Safety

FCEVs convert up to 65% of the fuel’s energy into electricity, which is way better than the 33-35% you get from regular power plants. This means you use half the fuel for the same distance.

And talk about convenience—while electric cars can take ages to charge, hydrogen fuel cells can be refueled in under five minutes (TWI Global).

Safety-wise, FCEVs are built to be as safe as your everyday car. They’ve been put through the wringer to meet tough safety standards. Plus, they don’t wimp out in cold weather, so they’re reliable even when it’s freezing.

3. Market Adoption

FCEVs are gaining fans, however, with their fair share of challenges. The largest hurdle is the infrastructure needed for making, moving, and storing hydrogen. Now, however, more and more companies are getting into the space and hydrogen fuel cells are shaping up to be a solid alternative to both traditional and electric cars.

With their high efficiency, quick refueling, and green credentials, they’re looking like a great option for the future of getting around.

Want to know more about how hydrogen FCEVs work, check out the video below from the Volvo Group.

The Rise of Electric Cars

Now, let’s get nostalgic and explore the history, present and future of electric cars.

1. A Trip Down Memory Lane

Electric cars have been around longer than you might think. Way back in the late 1800s, William Morrison rolled out the first successful electric car in the U.S. by 1890. Soon after, electric cars started popping up everywhere. New York City even had over 60 electric taxis zipping around (EV Equity).

They were all the rage in the early 1900s, but then gas cars got cheaper and roads got better. So, electric cars took a back seat. Fast forward to the 1970s oil crises and the growing buzz about the environment, and suddenly, electric cars were back on the scene again.

2. The Boom in Electric Cars

Lately, electric cars have been selling like hotcakes. As per IEA, by 2023, there were 590 different models to choose from, a 15% jump from the year before. Almost one in five cars sold that year was electric, with sales hitting nearly 14 million.  In fact, there were 40 million electric cars on the road in 2023, with 250,000 new ones hitting the streets every week.

3. What’s Next?

The future is bright for electric cars. By 2028, we could see around 1,000 different models on the market. Most of these cars will likely be sold in China, Europe, and the U.S., which together made up 95% of global electric car sales in 2023. China led the pack with 60% of new electric car registrations, Europe followed with just under 25%, and the U.S. had about 10% (IEA).

Electric cars are more than just a trend; they’re a sign of how far technology and our focus on sustainability have come. The market is set to keep growing, driven by new tech and more people wanting to go green.

Global Electric Vehicle Trends

Let’s jump into what’s happening with electric vehicles (EVs) around the world. From skyrocketing sales to the biggest markets and their environmental impact, there’s a lot of action that is happening.

1. Electric Vehicle Sales

The EV market is on fire. In 2023, almost one in five cars sold globally was electric, with sales hitting nearly 14 million. That’s a huge leap from past years, showing just how much people are warming up to electric cars.

By 2023, there were 40 million electric cars on the roads worldwide, with over 250,000 new ones hitting the streets every week. This rapid growth shows a big shift towards electric mobility.

2. Key Markets

China, Europe, and the United States are leading the charge, making up nearly 95% of global EV sales in 2023 (IEA).

• China: China is the heavyweight champ, with 60% of new electric car registrations. In 2023, China sold 8.1 million electric cars, a 35% jump from 2022. They also exported over 4 million cars, with 1.2 million being electric.
• Europe: Europe is next, with about 25% of global EV sales. In 2023, Europe saw nearly 3.2 million new electric car registrations, a 20% increase from 2022. Germany alone had half a million new battery electric car registrations in one year.
• United States: The US grabbed 10% of global EV sales, with 1.4 million new electric car registrations in 2023. That’s a 40% increase from 2022, driven by changes to the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit and price cuts on electric cars.

3. Growth and Impact

The boom in EV sales is making a big difference for the environment and the car industry. More EVs mean fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels.

The shift to electric vehicles is also shaking up market trends and manufacturing. Countries are pouring money into electric vehicle infrastructure and charging networks to keep up with the growing number of EVs.

As EV technology keeps advancing, the market is set to grow even more. Now let’s see some of the popular EV models.

Popular Electric Vehicle Models

The growth in EVs has provided a wide range of choices to the consumers.

1. A Wide Range of Choices

When it comes to electric vehicles, you have a wide range of choices. Whether you want a zippy little sedan, a spacious SUV, a rugged truck, or a swanky luxury car, the EV market has all the choices. Here are some options to consider:

2. Top Manufacturers and Their Models

Here are some standout manufacturers and their popular models:

• Tesla: Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y
• Audi: e-tron, Q4 e-tron
• BMW: i3, i4, iX3
• Chevrolet: Bolt EV, Bolt EUV
• Ford: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
• Hyundai: Kona Electric, Ioniq 5
• Toyota: Prius Prime, RAV4 Prime
• Volkswagen: ID.4, ID. Buzz

3. Market Trends

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche market. As per the IEA, in 2023, nearly one in five cars sold was electric, with global sales hitting close to 14 million. The total number of electric cars on the road reached 40 million, with over 250,000 new registrations every week. China, Europe, and the United States are leading the charge, with China alone accounting for 60% of new registrations.

Today’s electric vehicles can go the distance. For instance, the Tesla Model S Long Range can travel up to 379 miles on a full charge, while the Mercedes-Benz EQS boasts a range of 487 miles (DriveElectric). These trends show a growing interest in electric vehicles, fueled by tech advancements, eco-consciousness, and supportive policies.

In Conclusion

The world of electric vehicles offers diverse options to suit various needs and preferences. Today, you have options ranging from the all-electric BEVs to the versatile PHEVs, the efficient HEVs, and the innovative FCEVs. Each electric vehicle type represents a step towards sustainable transportation.

As technology advances and infrastructure expands, these vehicles become increasingly viable alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Understanding the unique features and benefits of each EV type can empower you as a consumer to make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle and environmental goals. The future of automotive technology is electric, and this blog has empowered you with knowledge to make the right decisions when it comes to your EV.