Types of Electric Vehicles

There are three types of mass market electric vehicles. Each has advantages over the others and it’s important to understand how they work. The benefits to owning an electric car are similar but not the same for each type.

1. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles use gasoline and electricity to function. They have an onboard battery that is typically regenerated by movement of the vehicle including friction from brakes (regenerative braking). There is no way to charge the battery via plugging in. The battery capacity is typically small.

HEVs use their battery for low power things like coasting, starting, idling, low-speed driving and cabin technology.

Popular models of HE’s are the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Kia Niro. You can find hybrid engines in cars, SUV and Trucks.

Tax Incentives: Federal tax credits for HEVs are long gone.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles use gasoline for fuel but are supplemented by a larger battery capable of all driving functions for limited miles. The onboard battery can provide range from 10-50 miles. Typically these can be charged via 110 or 220 outlets.

The intent of the vehicle is to be charged each day to limit gasoline miles. Depending on your driving needs these can be used to drive many days, weeks or even months without needing to fuel up. I’ve driven my volt for nearly 2 months before needing to fuel it’s small 8-gallon tank.

Popular models of PHEV’s are the Toyota Prius Prime, the Chevy Volt, the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, the Honda Clarity and Ioniq as well as many luxury vehicles. You can find plug-in hybrid vehicles for cars SUV and mini-van.

Tax Incentives: Federal tax credits range from $2500-$7500 for PHEV’s. Currently, no manufacturers of PHEV’s are having their tax credits phased out. They will when they hit 200,000 sales of electric vehicles. Credit size is tied to the range from the battery alone.

3. Electric Vehicles (EV)

Electric Vehicles or EVs are the pure electric cars. These are not hybrids. There is no fuel involved in the operation of these vehicles. Mass Market EVs have battery power that ranges from the Kia Soul EV at 111 miles to the Tesla Model S P100D at 337 miles.

Owners of EVs will need to have two things available to them. A 220v charging station installed at their home and a clear map of the nearest charging stations in their area. Without fuel as a backup it’s imperative that drivers understand where they can recharge. Cities are ever expanding charging stations and many quick charge stations can take your car from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes.

Popular models of EV’s are the Chevy Bolt, the Tesla Model 3 and S, the Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3.

Tax Incentives: Federal tax credits are $7500 for EVs. Tesla is the only manufacturer that has currently hit the 200,000 vehicle limit and their incentive is being phased out over 2019. All other manufacturers still have the full credit.