It seems like each year, new innovations arrive that improve existing electric vehicles. There are now several types of electric vehicles available. while only a few years ago there was only one. If you're interested in getting an electric vehicle, you may be a little confused about the different types. Below, we'll explain the differences between the kinds of electric vehicles, which will hopefully help you decide which kind is best for you.
Electric Vehicles
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Image by Robert Linder is licensed with Unsplash License
An electric vehicle is any vehicle that relies on a battery for power. While there are several different methods for powering a vehicle through a battery, the term Electric Vehicle, refers to them all. This is the overarching term that describes any vehicle that uses electricity rather than just gasoline.
EVs have become increasingly popular over the past decade or so, as battery ranges and motor performance continue to improve. It's also much easier to charge electric vehicles while you're on the go now, as more charging stations continue to pop up across the country. If you're looking for a vehicle that's either great on gas or doesn't rely on gas at all, you may want to consider an electric vehicle. After that, it's a matter of what type of electric vehicle you want to get.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
One of the primary types of electric vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV. With an HEV, you have a vehicle that runs on a typical internal combustion engine along with an electric motor. This electric motor helps to propel the car forward, taking some of the load off of the combustion engine. In addition, in some vehicles you can drive using just the electric motor, removing the need to use any gas for a limited number of miles.
With a hybrid vehicle, the battery charges as you drive. It does this through a process known as regenerative braking, which stores up energy as you stop the car, then uses it to recharge the battery. This means you don't need to spend time waiting for the vehicle to charge while you have it plugged in.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
The other primary type of electric vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, or PHEV. As with HEVs, PHEVs also use a combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine. The difference between PHEVs and HEVs is that you can plug in the PHEV to charge this battery. This is because PHEVs typically have larger batteries, allowing for longer ranges and less reliance on the combustion engine.
There are also two types of PHEVs. The first is an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREVs. These PHEVs use the electric motor to propel the car, while the combustion engine generates electricity to charge the battery. When the battery drains completely, then the engine takes over. The other type of PHEV is called a parallel or blended PHEV, which uses both the engine and the motor to propel the car at the same time.
Battery Electric Vehicles
The last term you may come across while searching for an electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle, or BEV. In a BEV, there is no combustion engine. Instead, all of the power comes from just a battery, with a fully electric drivetrain. One of the biggest advantages of going with a BEV is that there is less maintenance involved. This is because BEVs are relatively simple compared to vehicles with a combustion engine, so there are fewer moving parts and fewer things that could break down.
In addition, by going with a BEV, you don't have to worry about stopping for gas. Instead, you just need to make sure your vehicle has enough charge to get you where you want to go. When exploring BEVs, you'll want to explore the recharging times, as it's even more important that you have a charged battery before you leave compared to a plug-in hybrid model.
Which Type of Electric Vehicle Is Right for You?
While all types of electric vehicles rely on electricity in some form, how they do so and how this impacts your driving experience varies. If you're looking for the closest thing to your typical combustion engine vehicle, then you'll probably prefer a hybrid electric vehicle. This type uses electricity, but you don't have to worry about charging the vehicle or running out of battery.
On the other hand, if you want a vehicle that doesn't use any fuel, then you'll want to explore BEVs. For a vehicle that's somewhere in between, check out PHEVs. Whichever path you decide to follow, be sure to check out the individual specs of any vehicle you're considering, as things like battery life, horsepower, and fuel costs can vary significantly from vehicle to vehicle.
Available Subaru Electric Vehicles
If you're interested in getting an all-electric vehicle, meaning there is no combustion engine, then you should explore the 2023 Subaru Solterra. With the Solterra, you can expect to pay around $9 to $10 for a full charge when you charge the vehicle at home, leading to huge savings over even the more fuel-efficient combustion engine vehicles. Not only that, but you'll save yourself some time as you'll no longer need to stop for gas.
Some other benefits you can get with the 2023 Subaru Solterra include:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technologies
- Downhill Assist Control
- Automatic climate control
- Power rear gate
- 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- Heated steering wheel
If you're interested in the 2023 Subaru Solterra, or if you want to learn more about the different kinds of electric vehicles, contact North End Subaru. We can not only show you the latest Solterra in person but also show you a selection of our used vehicles, many of which are electric. Our knowledgeable staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have or set you up with a test drive. Also, be sure to check out our latest specials for even more ways to save on your next purchase.
