An overview of the different Electric Vehicle types to help you decide what vehicle suits you best.
Electric cars and vans come in many shapes, sizes and styles, but one of the most important aspects when deciding on the right EV for you is understanding the different types of electric vehicles available.
All electric vehicle types are available at Lookers, with the largest selection of New and Used Electric Cars, New and Used Hybrid Cars as well as New and Used Electric vans in the UK.
An Electric Vehicle (EV) or Battery Electric vehicle (BEV) is a car powered by only a battery. These vehicles have no other energy source and must be charged by plugging in at home to a wall box or to a public charging station.
Similar to the PHEV, the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) has both a petrol or diesel engine and a battery. However, the HEV cannot be plugged in to charge. The battery charges through regenerative braking or using internal combustion engines. The battery in this car will be used at low speeds with the petrol or diesel engine taking over as the car gets faster.
The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has both a battery and a 'normal' petrol or diesel engine. These vehicles can go shorter distances on their battery alone with the petrol or diesel engine taking over when the battery runs out of charge. To charge the battery you would plug this car in, similar to an all-electric vehicle.
A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) is powered by a system that harvests and stores energy normally lost during vehicle deceleration and intelligently redeploys the energy to support the engine. Similar to a HEV, but the MHEV’s electric motor isn't powerful enough to power the car on its own, it can only assist the engine.
Considering making the change from a petrol or diesel car to owning an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
Find useful facts, stats and tips to help you with a smooth transition in our Electric Car Buying Guide. Alternatively, head to our Electric FAQs section to read some answers to common questions from customers making the switch to an Electric Vehicle.
