The Different Types of Electric and Hybrid Vehicle
The Different Types of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Explained
While nearly everyone has heard of hybrid vehicles, most people are unaware of the available types or how they work. In this article, we'll look at the four main types of hybrid vehicles and describe what makes each of them unique. Generally speaking, there are four main types of electric cars, Electric or BEV, plug-in hybrid or PHEV, Hybrid, and Mild Hybrid. So, how do you know what's best for you with all these choices? Well, the team at Akins CDJR thought we would break it down to help you decide.
Learn About Mild Hybrids Vehicles
One of the newest electric vehicle technologies is a "mild" hybrid system. These systems don't propel the vehicle with electric power. Instead, they use a slight boost to the vehicle's gasoline engine, typically upon acceleration from a dead stop. Plus, they power the vehicle's air conditioning systems and other systems while the vehicle is idle. Mild Hybrid systems typically use a 48-volt electric system, and mild hybrids do not need to be plugged in. For example, Ram uses a mild hybrid system on its 1500 truck. They call it eTorque. Drivers can opt for the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with eTorque or the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine with eTorque.
Learn More About Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, referred to as HEVs, have a gas-powered engine and an electric motor to drive the vehicle. Today's hybrid electric vehicles are powered by an internal combustion engine in combination with one or more electric motors that use energy stored in batteries. HEVs combine the benefits of high fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions with the power and range of conventional vehicles. The battery is recharged through regenerative braking, which recoups otherwise lost energy in braking to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration. Hybrids cannot plug into the grid to recharge.
Learn More About Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or PHEVs, have an engine and an electric motor to drive the car. Like regular hybrids, they can recharge their battery through regenerative braking and the gas engine. However, unlike traditional hybrids, PHEVs have a larger battery, allowing them to travel longer distances on electric power. It also means you can plug them in to recharge the battery once the all-electric range is depleted fully. As a result, PHEVs act as regular hybrids and can travel several hundred miles on a tank of gas. A perfect example of a PHEV is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe or the new Dodge Hornet.
Learn More About Battery Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles, also called BEVs or EVs, are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable batteries and no gasoline engine. Instead, the vehicle runs entirely on energy from the battery pack, which is recharged from the grid. As a result, BEVs are zero-emissions vehicles, meaning they do not produce any harmful tailpipe emissions or air pollution hazards that a traditional combustion engine does, and they do not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. Which means they require much less maintenance.
Akins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is Here to Help!
If you have any questions or would like to test drive any of the types mentioned earlier of EVs, please stop in and speak with one of the members of the knowledgeable sale staff at Akins CDJR. We have been proudly serving the Northeast Georgia area since 1966. We have thrived for all these years thanks to our many loyal customers. We believe in treating our customers like gold which is how we built such a loyal customer base.
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