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Type of EVs
In this section
From full electric vehicles to plug-in hybrids and non-plug-in hybrids, there's an EV for every lifestyle and driving preference. Let's take a closer look at each type and discover how they work.
Full electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are powered entirely by electricity. They don't have a traditional combustion engine, relying solely on an electric motor and a large battery pack. EVs need to be charged using an external power source, such as a charging station or a an at home charger. Once charged, they can travel a certain distance, usually referred to as the electric range, before needing to be charged again.
Benefits
- Zero Emissions: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
- Lower Operating Costs: Charging an EV is cheaper than buying gas, resulting in potential long-term savings on fuel expenses.
Cons
- Limited Range: Some EVs may have a limited electric range compared to traditional vehicles, requiring more frequent charging, or planning longer trips carefully.
- Charging Infrastructure: The availability of charging stations may vary, especially in some remote areas, which can pose challenges for unplanned long-distance travel.
Full electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are powered entirely by electricity. They don't have a traditional combustion engine, relying solely on an electric motor and a large battery pack. EVs need to be charged using an external power source, such as a charging station or a an at home charger. Once charged, they can travel a certain distance, usually referred to as the electric range, before needing to be charged again.
Benefits
- Zero Emissions: EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
- Lower Operating Costs: Charging an EV is cheaper than buying gas, resulting in potential long-term savings on fuel expenses.
Cons
- Limited Range: Some EVs may have a limited electric range compared to traditional vehicles, requiring more frequent charging, or planning longer trips carefully.
- Charging Infrastructure: The availability of charging stations may vary, especially in some remote areas, which can pose challenges for unplanned long-distance travel.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids combine an electric motor with a traditional combustion engine. They have a larger battery than non-plug-in hybrids and can be charged externally to provide an electric-only driving range. Once the battery depletes, the vehicle seamlessly switches to the combustion engine, extending the overall range.
How they work
Electric Mode
In electric mode, the vehicle runs on electric power stored in the battery, emitting no tailpipe emissions. This mode is ideal for short commutes or city driving.
Hybrid Mode
When the battery charge is low or more power is required, the combustion engine kicks in, working alongside the electric motor to power the vehicle. The engine can charge the battery while driving.
Benefits
- Environmental-Friendly Commuting: PHEVs offer the ability to drive in electric mode, reducing emissions during shorter trips and in urban areas.
- Extended Range: With the combustion engine as a backup, PHEVs can cover longer distances without the need for frequent charging.
Cons
- Limited Electric Range: PHEVs typically have a shorter electric range compared to full EVs, which means they still rely on gasoline for longer trips.
- Complexity: The combination of electric and combustion engine systems can make PHEVs more complex than pure electric or non-plug-in hybrids, potentially requiring more maintenance.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids combine an electric motor with a traditional combustion engine. They have a larger battery than non-plug-in hybrids and can be charged externally to provide an electric-only driving range. Once the battery depletes, the vehicle seamlessly switches to the combustion engine, extending the overall range.
How they work
Electric Mode
In electric mode, the vehicle runs on electric power stored in the battery, emitting no tailpipe emissions. This mode is ideal for short commutes or city driving.
Hybrid Mode
When the battery charge is low or more power is required, the combustion engine kicks in, working alongside the electric motor to power the vehicle. The engine can charge the battery while driving.
Benefits
- Environmental-Friendly Commuting: PHEVs offer the ability to drive in electric mode, reducing emissions during shorter trips and in urban areas.
- Extended Range: With the combustion engine as a backup, PHEVs can cover longer distances without the need for frequent charging.
Cons
- Limited Electric Range: PHEVs typically have a shorter electric range compared to full EVs, which means they still rely on gasoline for longer trips.
- Complexity: The combination of electric and combustion engine systems can make PHEVs more complex than pure electric or non-plug-in hybrids, potentially requiring more maintenance.
Non-plug-in hybrids, also known as regular hybrids, use both an electric motor and a traditional combustion engine. However, they can't be charged externally. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the combustion engine during operation.
How they work
Electric Assist
The electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration or when additional power is needed. It also captures energy during braking or deceleration, converting it into electricity to charge the battery.
Engine Power
The combustion engine powers the vehicle and charges the battery when necessary, ensuring a continuous power supply.
Benefits
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Non-plug-in hybrids utilize the electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, making them more eco-friendly than conventional vehicles.
- No Charging Required: Unlike EVs and PHEVs, non-plug-in hybrids don't require external charging, allowing for more flexibility in terms of refuelling.
Cons
- Limited Electric-only Driving: Non-plug-in hybrids can't operate solely on electric power, so they still rely on fossil for most of their running.
Non-plug-in hybrids, also known as regular hybrids, use both an electric motor and a traditional combustion engine. However, they can't be charged externally. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the combustion engine during operation.
How they work
Electric Assist
The electric motor assists the combustion engine during acceleration or when additional power is needed. It also captures energy during braking or deceleration, converting it into electricity to charge the battery.
Engine Power
The combustion engine powers the vehicle and charges the battery when necessary, ensuring a continuous power supply.
Benefits
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Non-plug-in hybrids utilize the electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, making them more eco-friendly than conventional vehicles.
- No Charging Required: Unlike EVs and PHEVs, non-plug-in hybrids don't require external charging, allowing for more flexibility in terms of refuelling.
Cons
- Limited Electric-only Driving: Non-plug-in hybrids can't operate solely on electric power, so they still rely on fossil for most of their running.
You can find out more about buying second-hand EVs from the Energy Saving Trust.
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