It’s an exciting time for the electric vehicle industry. We’re about to see a “tsunami” of new electric car models, according to Bank of America analysts, with 85 new models slated to launch between now and 2024.More and more drivers are opting for an electric car instead of a conventional vehicle. Car dealerships in North America are filled with new inventory and pre-owned inventory from electric car owners opting for newer models. It seems that innovative new models and groundbreaking improvements are being announced every week. With President Biden’s goal of EVs growing to 50% of U.S. passenger sales by 2030, this surge will only continue.
If you’re considering upgrading your EV, or purchasing one for the first time, it’s worth breaking down the different types of electric vehicles out there to understand which one is right for you. The most important thing to know is that electric cars generally fall into two major categories: plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the two, and pros and cons of each.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are powered entirely by electricity. A BEV has no internal combustion engine (ICE), no fuel tank, and no exhaust pipe. Instead, it has one or more electric motors powered by a larger battery, which must be charged through an external outlet. You’ll want to have a powerful charger that can fully charge your vehicle overnight, like the JuiceBox Level 2 Home charger — more on that below.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a fuel-based internal combustion engine, as well as an electric motor with a battery that’s rechargeable with an external plug (which would also benefit from a good home charger). A fully-charged PHEV can travel a decent distance on electric power — about 20 to 30 miles — without resorting to gas.
Important note: If you hear someone talk about a “hybrid” car, they’re probably talking about a hybrid electric vehicle, like the Toyota Prius, which has a smaller battery, does not charge externally, and is unable to drive without gas. Hybrid vehicles typically are not included in EV goals so will not be discussed in this article.