Three types of EVs you should know
Explaining BEVs, PHEVs & HEVs.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days—it can seem like everyone is rushing to buy or order one. For prospective buyers, they’re finding the world of EVs comes with its own set of terminology. Leaving many of them asking, “What’s with all the acronyms?”
Fortunately, many of the terms used for EVs are super easy to explain! Let’s break down three most common:
BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle
BEVs are the modern electric cars we see on the road today—fully electric, with no gasoline or internal combustion engine. Instead, they run off a high-voltage battery located at the bottom of the vehicle. A modern BEV can travel an average of 400 kms on a single charge, with some models reaching up to 600 kms. They benefit from a smoother driving experience, fractional fuel costs and significantly lowered maintenance.
BEVs are ideal for most commutes and can even be used for road-trips (as demonstrated by A for Adventure).
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
PHEVs share many of the same benefits as BEVs but also retain a gas engine that can help them go longer distances. They have an average electric range of 40 kms but contain standard-size gas tanks. One difference with PHEVs is that they often require similar maintenance as a normal combustion engine vehicle. When a PHEV has gone over the vehicle’s electric range, they will continue operating using their gas-powered engine.
PHEVs are ideal for someone who mainly drives short commutes. They can also be a good choice for someone without sufficient access to public charging but who can plug into a standard electrical outlet at home.
HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle
HEVs have a gasoline engine and small battery which work together to improve efficiency. While not as efficient as PHEVs (and nowhere close to BEVs), they get better fuel mileage than their full-gas counterparts. PHEV batteries typically have a higher capacity than HEV batteries, a HEV will run roughly three to five kilometers before their gas engines turn on.
There are no government rebates available for HEVs, but there are for BEVs and PHEVs. For information on available rebates visit electrifyns.ca.
Now that you’re caught up on the EV options that exist. Why not explore some models at EVAssist.ca, or better yet, take a test drive with us by visiting Nextridens.com.
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Electrify Rebate program
Up to $8000 in Provincial and Federal rebates exist for qualifying electric vehicles.
