As electric vehicles continue to flood the marketplace, there's a whole new variety to choose from. If you're not so passionate about vehicles and their latest advancements, you might have trouble choosing the best option.
To help you make an educated decision, in this article we will be discussing the different types of electric vehicles that are available in the market.

What are the Different Types of Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles or EVs are the type of vehicles that are fully or partially powered by electric energy. If they are a fully electric vehicle then they provide the advantage of zero emissions, savings on fuel, savings on maintenance, and reduced carbon foot print. EVs are known as the key to sustainable transportation, with more than 40 million EVs in use today.

The classification of these electric-powered vehicles is based on the type of technology used for energy production. The four types of electric vehicles are:

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
2. Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)
3. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
4. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

The first type of mainstream electric vehicles to arrive in showrooms was the HEV. HEVs feature a small battery that is used to start the electric motor and power the car for very short distances. The petrol engine plus the regenerative braking help ensure that the battery maintains a charge. In addition, the vehicle menu makes it easy for you to calculate the most efficient drive while getting the most out of the battery.

HEVs, also referred to as a 'self-changing hybrid,' run on an electric battery before switching to petrol or diesel power.

The Toyota Prius is a popular BEV known for its impressive range, performance, and advanced features.

Advantages
● Less dependent on fuel
● Reduces carbon emissions
● Greater resale value

Disadvantages
● Less output power than that of a gasoline engine
● Costly battery replacement
● Higher purchase price

2. Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV)

Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) is an electric vehicle that runs completely on electricity through a battery. The battery is recharged by a "range extender," which is a relatively small petrol engine that runs an electric generator.

The EREV uses a combustion engine exclusively as a generator, meaning there is no direct connection between the engine and the drivetrain. Typically, a gasoline engine, this generator's sole function is to recharge the batteries when they are running low.

The Chevrolet Volt is a great example of an EREV that offers up to 53 miles of electric range before a gasoline engine generator extends its range to over 420 miles.

Advantages
● Extended range
● Efficient on fuel
● Flexibility of using electric and gasoline power

Disadvantages
● Mechanically complex
● Higher curb weight
● Reduced space for passengers

3. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

BEVs usually do not come with an internal combustion engines (ICE), exhaust pipes or a fuel tank. BEVs rely solely on electricity.
Based on the different types of offerings for electric vehicles, BEVs average out as the lower cost option. That being said, the most common complaint from BEV owners is range anxiety. When driving a BEV, you have to make sure that your battery has enough power for the distance that you will be traveling as well as factoring on the available charging stations.

Charging a BEV battery involves connecting to a 120-volt level 2 or level 3 power source.
Opting for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) offers numerous eco-friendly benefits. Since they are powered by batteries, BEVs have no tailpipes, resulting in zero emissions of harmful toxic gases. By choosing BEVs as your mode of transportation, you can significantly reduce local air pollution and enhance air quality in urban areas.

Over a year, one BEV can save up to 1.5 million grams of CO2 from getting pumped out in the environment.

Another great benefit of a BEV is there lack of sound. The electric motor in BEVs will produce significantly less sound than a gas-powered vehicle, which equates to a more peaceful driving experience.

Advantages
● They're quiet, due to no combustion noise.
● Secure to operate and charge.
● Reduces carbon emissions

Disadvantages
● Not well-suited for long-distance driving
● Extended charging times, dependent on make on model
● Limited charging stations, dependent on make on model

4. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

PHEVs have a battery similar to that of BEV but with much smaller capacity. They include an internal combustion engine, which powers the car when the battery runs low.

As it can be interpreted by the name, PHEVs can be charged with a plug. Dependent on the make and model, PHEVs can be charged at home or in public charging stations. The usual range for PHEVs tends to be around 10-40 miles on electric power. In addition, regenerative braking can be used to recharge the battery.

If you're considering switching to an electric vehicle but are not ready to commit to fully electric, PHEVs are a great option because they have the best of both worlds.

A perfect example of a PHEV is the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The only downside in comparison to the other pure EVs, is the zero-emission mode is much more limited and designed for short distance traveling.

The Next Step
If you're new to the EV market or you're still wondering if you should take a step in, this guide is for you. By understanding the different types of electric vehicles (EVs), you can make an educated decision that aligns with your driving needs and environmental goals. The four types of EVs: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), allow consumers to choose a vehicle the suits them perfectly. Sign up for Quiet Car Bids today, browse the various listings for electric vehicles, and start bidding on vehicles that check all of your boxes for perfection.