Battery Electric Vehicles, or BEVs, are fully electric vehicles that rely solely on their battery packs to power the electric motor.
BEVs do not have an internal combustion engine and produce zero tailpipe emissions.
They require charging at an external power source, such as a home charger or public charging station.
Examples: Tesla Model 3, Audi e-tron, Chevrolet Bolt
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or PHEVs, combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery pack.
PHEVs can be driven in electric-only mode for a limited range (typically 20–50 miles) before the gasoline engine takes over, providing a longer total range.
PHEVs require both gasoline and external charging from an electric power source.
Examples: Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius Prime, BMW i3 REx
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or HEVs, use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor but do not require external charging.
The battery is recharged through regenerative braking and the engine acting as a generator.
HEVs typically have a smaller battery pack and electric motor compared to PHEVs, resulting in a more limited electric-only driving capability.
Examples: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Ford Fusion Hybrid