An electric cars, also referred to as an electric vehicle or EV, uses electrical energy to power an electric motor. This is a highly efficient means of travel and results in no tailpipe emissions. In contrast, traditional automobiles use gasoline to power an internal combustion engine. This is an inefficient means of travel and results in harmful greenhouse gas emissions that create pollution and contribute to climate change.
What Types Of Electric Cars Are Available?
There are three main types of electric cars: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV). They are classified by how they use electricity, as opposed to gasoline, as their primary means of propulsion. In terms of being good for the planet, Battery Electric Vehicles are the most environmentally friendly cars, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are second, Hybrid Electric Vehicles third, and gasoline-powered vehicles … well, you know how they rate.
What Is A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)?
Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs, are fully-electric vehicles that do not rely on a gasoline engine for propulsion. They store electricity onboard in high-capacity battery packs, which in turn power one ore more electric motors. A discussed above, range and recharging are major considerations when choosing a BEV.
Generally, BEVs have no gasoline engine at all. However, there are certain exceptions such as the BMW i3 with Range Extender (REx). The i3 is a fully-electric BEV without a gasoline driven powertrain. Yet, interestingly, it offers a Range Extender option that provides a small integrated gasoline-powered .6 liter engine that does nothing more than generate electricity to recharge the i3’s batteries. The REx is not connected to the powertrain itself and does not in any way help physically propel the car. It simply activates and generates electricity for the batteries when their charge drops below a certain level.
Who Makes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)?
The following manufacturers offer fully-electric Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs):
 | BMW Models: BMW i3, BMW i4 |
 | Chevrolet Models: Chevy Bolt, Chevy Leaf |
 | Ford Model: Ford Focus Electric |
 | Hyundai Model: Hyundai Ioniq |
 | Karma Model: Karma Revera |
 | Kia Model: Kia Soul |
 | Mitsubishi Model: Mitsubishi i-MiEV |
 | Nissan Model: Nissan LEAF |
 | Tesla Models: Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Tesla X |
 | Toyota Model: Toyota Rav4 |
 | Volkswagen Model: Volkswagen e-Golf |
What Is A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, also called PHEVs, are gasoline powered vehicles that augment their powertrain with at least one electric motor. Sometimes the electric motor is propelling the PHEV, sometimes the gas engine, and sometimes they are working together. Electricity to power the electric motor is both generated internally, via regenerative braking, and delivered externally via Level 1 chargers or Level 2 charging stations. Although not as good for the environment as fully-electric BEVs, PHEVs do not suffer from range issues as their gasoline engines can be refueled at any standard service station. Whereas standard hybrids typically travel only a few miles before the gasoline engine kicks in, PHEVs can travel up to 40 miles in fully-electric mode.
Who Makes Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)?
The following manufacturers offer Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs):
 | Audi Model: Audi A3 E-Tron |
| BMW Models: BMW 330e, BMW i8, BMW X5 xdrive40e |
| Chevrolet Model: Chevy Volt |
 | Chrysler Model: Chrysler Pacifica |
 | Fiat Model: Fiat 500e |
| Ford Models: Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Fusion Energi |
| Hyundai Model: Hyundai Sonata |
| KIA Model: Kia Optima |
 | Mercedes Models: Mercedes C350e, Mercedes S550e, Mercedes GLE550e |
 | Mini Cooper Model: Mini Cooper SE Countryman |
 | Porsche Models: Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid |
| Toyota Model: Toyota Prius |
 | Volvo Model: Volvo XC90 T8 |
What Is A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, also called HEVs, are powered by both gasoline and electricity, but have no plug-in option like PHEVs. Instead, HEVs’ batteries are recharged through regenerative breaking.
Who Makes Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)?
The following manufacturers offer Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs):
 | Honda Model: Civic Hybrid |
| Toyota Models: Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, Prius Hybrid |
What Type Of Electric Car Should I Buy?
Picking the best electric car to suit your needs generally boils down to two major considerations: range and recharging. Of course EV price, aesthetics, rebates, and a many other issues come into play. However, before you can begin to address those, you need to understand and consider your electric car’s limited range and recharging requirements.
If you pick an EV with a 300+ mile range and plan on installing a Level 2 charging station in your garage, range is not much of an issue unless you plan to embark on a significant road-trip. However, if you pick an electric car that only delivers 125 miles when fully-charged and will rely on a Level 1 household slow-charger, range can be an issue even with your regular day-to-day commute. Therefore, it is important to consider how far you plan to drive your EV and how you plan to recharge its battery pack. BEVs, being all electric, are great for the environment but can’t be quickly refueled at a standard gas station. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are not suited for long range travel … you just need to be willing to put in the work.
