Types of Electric Cars Explained

There are several different forms of electrified vehicles.

 

This article can help you to understand these differences, and will cover the following vehicles:

• Pure Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Full Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs)

• Mild Hybrid Vehicles (MHEVs)

• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

 

Pure Electric Vehicles (EV)

Sometimes known as battery electric vehicles - or BEVs - pure electric vehicles do not have a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). EVs use rechargeable batteries which are charged on the grid - these batteries power the electric motor, which then turns the wheels.

 

These types of electric cars can accelerate more quickly than traditional ICE cars, and use a process called ‘regenerative braking’, in which energy is transferred from the brakes over to the battery to increase range. This is something that conventional petrol and diesel cars cannot do - and it is an efficient means of reusing kinetic energy which would otherwise be lost.

 

Likewise, most pure electric vehicles use automatic gearboxes, and are quieter than traditional petrol or diesel cars. Pure electric vehicles create no emissions - yet another bonus. Not to mention that EVs are exempt from road tax, as well as emissions charges and the London Congestion Charge.

 

When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle, one major consideration is the range capacity. If you tend to drive longer distances regularly, then an electric vehicle may not be the right choice for you.

 

Without a traditional ICE to back them up, electric vehicles are dependent on your ability to stop and charge - this can prove difficult if there is no public charging point nearby.

 

Otherwise, electric vehicles are an excellent step towards an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles - whilst the upfront cost may be high, maintenance costs for these types of electric vehicles can be low.

 

Benefits of an EV

• Easy to drive – automatic transmission as standard

• Cheaper to run than a petrol car

• Servicing and maintenance tend to be cheaper

• Good performance

 

Negatives of an EV

• Charging is time consuming

• Limited driving range

• More expensive to buy

• Less suitable for remote areas

 

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use a petrol engine and an electric motor to run - the electric motor is powered by a battery, which can be charged at home or at a public charging point. This differs from a standard hybrid, which uses a fuel tank and does not need to charge via an external source.

 

As with standard hybrids, PHEVs make use of regenerative braking, but the main difference is that they can make better use of it. PHEVs have larger batteries which can be plugged in to charge, unlike hybrid batteries which are charged via the engine. Plug-in hybrids can be charged with a household 3-pin plug. Alternatively, you can have a charger installed at home for convenience.

 

This larger battery is also a bonus when it comes to the range - the electric-only range is greater with PHEVs than standard hybrid cars. Plug-ins can run on electricity until the battery runs out of charge. This is one of the most appealing aspects of plug-in hybrids, as it can be reassuring to know that the engine can kick in on longer trips if needed.

 

PHEVs are sometimes viewed as a good option for drivers who aren’t ready to commit to buying a pure electric vehicle. With reduced ‘range anxiety’ and tax rates, plug-in hybrids could be a great option for you.

 

Just bear in mind that plug-in hybrids can be less fuel-efficient if you use them for longer drives - you may need to top up the fuel tank more often, and the cost can easily mount up.

 

Not to mention that the upfront cost of a plug-in hybrid is higher than a traditional hybrid.

 

Benefits of a PHEV

• Not completely reliant on EV charging infrastructure

• Cheaper than EVs

• Can run using just the battery for short distances

 

Negatives of a PHEV

• Can be more expensive to run and maintain

• Failing to charge can negate any economy benefits

• Similar costs to an ICE vehicle

 

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

Mild hybrids cannot power themselves using only electricity, whilst full hybrids can use the internal combustion engine and electric motor(s) separately or simultaneously.

 

Mild hybrids have a small battery that can recharge itself but is not actually able to power the car forwards. The battery instead powers other assist systems, enabling actions such as cruising without accelerating.

 

With a lower fuel consumption than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, and a lower cost compared to EVs and PHEVs, this type of hybrid electric vehicle could be the right choice for you.

 

Benefits of a MHEV

• Smoother stopping and starting compared to ICE vehicles

• Boosted acceleration

• Lower fuel consumption compared to an ICE vehicle

 

Negatives of a MHEV

• Can cost slightly more than an ICE vehicle

• No tax benefits

• Pure electric mode can not be used to drive

 

Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Hybrid vehicles use both a small electric motor and an ICE, which takes energy from batteries. As with EVs, the battery is charged via regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. HEVs do not need to be charged by an external power source, and this regenerative braking can reduce fuel consumption as the engine can be used less frequently.

 

If the journey is short, then a hybrid vehicle can drive entirely in electric mode - the engine would only be needed whilst travelling at higher speeds, or whilst accelerating more intensely. 

 

Full hybrids have more efficient electric motors and larger batteries when compared to mild hybrids, though the upfront cost for a full hybrid is generally higher.

 

Benefits of a HEV

• Lower cost than PHEVs and EVs

• Generally lower fuel consumption in comparison to ICE vehicles

• Electric components can power auxiliary devices and provide acceleration boosts

 

Negatives of a HEV

• Fuel economy can vary based on driving condition and styles

• Limited electric range

• Tax benefits are minimal

 

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

Lastly, there are fuel-cell electric vehicles. These types of electric vehicles are much less common and use an electric motor, powered by an alternative fuel cell. In most current cases, the fuel is pure hydrogen.

 

These vehicles produce zero emissions and can be more powerful than traditional ICE vehicles. Fuel cell electric vehicles also use regenerative braking.

 

However, the only models currently available in the UK are the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai NEXO. If these vehicles become more popular, then more manufacturers may start producing fuel-cell electric vehicles.

 

In terms of charging your fuel cell electric vehicle, there are very limited public charging points in the UK at present, so you may want to choose another form of electric or hybrid car in the meantime until these become more accessible.

 

Benefits of a FCEVs

• Good range of around 400 miles

• Fills quickly in comparison to charging an EV

• Excellent driving experience

 

Negatives of a FCEV

• Expensive

• Extremely limited refuelling infrastructure

• Costs more per mile in comparison to electricity or diesel/petrol

 

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