Types of Electric Vehicles

Every year, more and more people are making the switch from gasoline-powered cars, trucks, and SUVs to electric vehicles. And it’s easy to see why, as EVs minimize or eliminate your trips to the gas pumps of Tri-Cities, Spokane Valley, and beyond while possessing fewer maintenance needs than their gas-powered counterparts. And that’s just the start of the perks that come with EV ownership! But how many types of EVs are there, and what are the differences between them? Camp Chevrolet answers these questions and more in the following overview of the different types of electric vehicles.

A Guide to EV Types

Let’s start with one of the most frequently asked questions: How many types of EVs are there? There are three primary types of electric vehicles: plug-in hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles. To ensure you find the right option for the roads of Post Falls or wherever your travels take you, we offer this breakdown of the different EV types:

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with a robust motor paired with an electric battery, which needs to be recharged to maintain power levels. Unlike other types of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids are charged by plugging the battery into an external power source, hence their name. When you’re on the road, you can utilize public charging stations to plug in your PHEV and guarantee adequate charge.

Battery Electric Vehicles

Battery electric vehicles are entirely electric—no hybrid systems involved here—and they generally boast larger motors and batteries so you can enjoy maximum range and performance. They produce no emissions, making them an ideal choice for the environmentally conscious driver, as well as very little motor noise, which means a quieter driving experience. As with PHEVs, you can charge your battery electric vehicle at home or at public charging stations. Also, most BEVs come with DC Fast Charging capabilities.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

With a hybrid electric vehicle, the setup is a bit different. The electric motor in an HEV is self-charging, receiving its charge from the gas-powered engine and through regenerative braking. Every hybrid electric vehicle has a specific mileage limit, and once that limit is reached, the gas engine takes over to power the motor and keep your vehicle running. Like other vehicles with gas engines, you’ll need to keep tabs on your fuel level and fill up as necessary so the electric motor can get the charge it needs.

Explore Various EV Types at Camp Chevrolet

We’ve answered some common questions here: How many types of EVs are there? What are the different types of electric vehicles? When you’re ready to start shopping for your next EV, browse our online inventory, then contact us to set up a test drive around Spokane. You can also apply for financing now to save time at the dealership later. When you transition to an EV, you’ll enjoy a world of efficient and eco-friendly performance—without compromising power, reliability, or style!