Electric vehicles include Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) powered solely by batteries, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combining batteries with fuel engines, and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) using both but without plug-in charging.
MHEV
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is a car that combines a traditional engine with a small electric motor and battery to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The electric motor assists the engine during acceleration and enables engine start-stop functionality when the vehicle is stationary, but it can't drive the car on its own for extended periods. MHEVs are a step towards more advanced hybrids and electric vehicles, offering some benefits of electrification without full-electric driving capabilities.
PHEV
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a car that combines an internal combustion engine with a larger battery and an electric motor. It can be charged through an electrical outlet and driven on electric power for a limited range, typically around 20-50 miles before the gasoline engine kicks in. This technology allows for reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, especially for short commutes, while still offering the convenience of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
BEV
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is an electric car that runs entirely on electricity stored in a large battery. It doesn't have a traditional internal combustion engine, producing zero tailpipe emissions. BEVs are charged through electrical outlets and offer a clean and quiet driving experience, making them environmentally friendly and suitable for short to long commutes, depending on the battery's range.