3 Types of Electric Cars With Pros and Cons for Each

Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly in popularity thanks to impressive tech advances, lower prices, and more model options. However, with all the excitement around EVs, it can get confusing to understand the differences between the main types available.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the three major categories of electric cars and clearly explain the pros and cons of each. We‘ll also look at emerging body styles and types to give you a full overview of the EV options on the market.

The 3 Main Types of Electric Vehicles

There are three primary categories of electric vehicles:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – Run entirely on electricity stored in batteries, no gas engine
2. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) – Have both electric and gas motors, can charge batteries
3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles – Gas-powered but use batteries to improve efficiency, no plug-in charging

Now let‘s explore each of these EV types in more detail.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Battery electric cars, commonly referred to as BEVs, are fully electric vehicles with rechargeable battery packs and electric motors. They do not have a gasoline-powered engine or exhaust pipe.

Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular BEVs. Image credit: Zachary Keimig/Unsplash

BEVs use one or more electric motors to power the wheels. The energy is supplied by large high-voltage battery packs that store electricity when plugged in to charge.

Since BEVs rely solely on electric power, they must be routinely charged by:

• Plugging into charging stations
• Using wall connectors at home
• Connecting to standard power outlets in some cases

Most BEVs today have a real-world range between 100-300 miles on a full charge. However, factors like speed, climate, load impact range.

BEV Pros

• Environmentally friendly – Produce zero direct emissions since they don‘t burn gas
• Smooth quiet ride – Electric motors provide strong consistent torque
• Lower operating costs – Electricity is cheaper than gasoline per mile
• Advanced tech features – Sophisticated touchscreens and driver-assistance innovations

BEV Cons

• Expensive purchase price – Upfront costs are higher than comparable gas-powered cars
• Charging logistics – Requires planning charging stops for longer trips, home charger install
• Long charge times – Filling up battery packs takes much more time than gassing up
• Battery degradation – Extreme weather reduces range; batteries diminish over time

So in summary, BEVs like the Tesla Model 3 provide an emissions-free transportation option using innovative technology. However, they carry higher sticker prices and require charging infrastructure planning.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) feature both an electric motor and a gasoline engine to turn the wheels. Unlike hybrids, PHEVs have larger battery packs that can be charged by plugging them in.

Toyota Rav4 Prime has an EPA-rated 42 mile electric range. Image credit: Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock

These larger battery packs allow PHEVs to operate in pure electric mode for around 25-50 miles on a full charge. Once the battery depletes, the gas engine automatically turns on functioning like a regular hybrid.

On longer highway drives, PHEVs rely mainly on the gas engine. But for shorter trips and city commuting, they can run emissions-free on electric power alone. This is a major perk compared to traditional hybrids that can‘t plug in to charge.

PHEV Pros

• Electric and gas capabilities – Provides flexibility if electric range needs increase
• Lower emissions – 75% less tailpipe emissions than gas vehicles on average
• Can charge at home to reduce gas usage
• Smoother operation and stronger acceleration than hybrids

PHEV Cons

• More expensive than hybrids due to larger battery packs
• Limited all-electric driving range compared to BEVs
• Gas engine operation reduces efficiency and produces emissions
• Charging infrastructure still required

PHEVs strike a practical balance between electric cars and hybrids. However, they carry higher costs and still rely on some gasoline usage producing emissions.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use both a gasoline engine and electric motor with a small battery pack to maximize efficiency. The battery in a hybrid cannot be plugged in to charge – it recharges via regenerative braking and by the gas engine.

The pioneering Toyota Prius hybrid can get over 50 mpg combined. Image credit: Alexander Popov/Unsplash

Hybrid systems intelligently optimize usage of the gas and electric portions. For example, the electric motor provides extra power when accelerating then shuts off when cruising. The engine even turns off completely when stopped in some hybrid models.

Regenerative braking helps charge the battery by converting kinetic energy to electric energy when slowing down.

Hybrid Pros

• Excellent gas mileage – Prius gets 56 mpg city/53 highway thanks to electric assist
• Familiar driving experience – Operates similarly to gas-only vehicles
• Low maintenance – Fewer mechanical parts than conventional cars
• Affordable pricing – Small battery packs make hybrids cheaper than most EVs

Hybrid Cons

• No external charging – Can‘t plug in to run emissions-free electric miles
• Still uses gas – Just less than non-hybrid equivalents
• Performance limitations – Relies on small battery packs unlike BEVs and PHEVs

In summary, hybrid technology significantly improves mpg and reduces emissions versus gas-only models. But hybrids lack large battery packs for longer electric driving stretches.

Comparing the 3 Types of EVs

Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key attributes of BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs:

So in choosing amongst these EV varieties, consider factors like:

• Your daily driving needs – BEV range may suffice for shorter commutes, while PHEVs offer backup gas engine
• Charging convenience – Fully electric BEVs require developing a charging plan
• Budget – Balance upfront costs against long-term gas and maintenance savings
• Environmental impact – BEVs provide the most emissions reductions

Now let‘s look at some emerging electric vehicle body styles and categories beyond just cars.

Types of Electric Vehicles by Body Style

Electric models now go far beyond just small compact cars. Manufacturers are increasingly releasing EV SUVs, trucks, crossovers, and even motorcycles.

Electric SUVs

Electric SUV models are growing, led by options like the:

• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Ford Mustang Mach E

These sporty electric SUVs promise over 300 horsepower and rapid acceleration along with ample passenger and cargo room.

The largest barrier for electric SUVs is reduced driving range. Their size and weight requires bigger battery packs which are challenging to optimize cost-effectively.

Electric Pickup Trucks

Electric pickup options are finally coming to market after much anticipation including the:

• Rivian R1T
• GMC Hummer EV Pickup
• Ford F-150 Lightning
• Tesla Cybertruck (delayed production)

These all-electric trucks promise supercar-like performance with ultra-quick 0-60 mph acceleration in some dual-motor models. Payload and towing also impress while matching or exceeding gasoline-powered equivalents.

However, real-world range when towing heavy trailer loads drops considerably. The charging infrastructure is also lagging given the large battery packs required.

Electric Crossovers

Crossovers meld the ride height and cargo space of an SUV with the maneuverability and efficiency of a car. Combining this versatile package with an EV drivetrain is a major emerging trend.

Popular electric crossovers that lead the way include the:

• Kia Niro EV
• Hyundai Kona EV
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Nissan Ariya

These models balance range, passenger space and high-tech interiors admirably while carrying competitive pricing. As battery costs continue decreasing, affordable EV crossovers should massively grow in popularity.

Other Types of Electric Vehicles

While the majority of EVs are currently passenger cars, other modes of transportation are going electric too:

Electric Semi Trucks

Companies like Tesla, Nikola, Volvo, Daimler, and startups Rivian and Bollinger are all working on electric semi trucks. Although not yet ready for mass adoption, short-range electric semi models are already working on delivery routes.

The barrier is developing battery packs large enough to haul maximum loads hundreds of miles yet small enough to carry profitably and recharge quickly. But regulation and public sentiment will likely eventually force widespread EV usage in commercial trucking.

Electric Motorcycles

With its stunning LiveWire in 2019, Harley-Davidson was the first major motorcycle manufacturer to release a production electric bike. Zero Motorcycles has also been producing high performance electric two-wheelers for over a decade.

While range and charging times still lag behind gasoline counterparts, the environmental and performance benefits make electric motorcycles promising especially as urban commuters.

Choosing the Right Electric Vehicle

When deciding amongst the EV makes and models available, first consider your budget and daily transportation needs.

Those with shorter regular commuting distances or convenient home/workplace charging can better utilize BEVs. But PHEVs provide gas range extension that reduces range anxiety for longer trips.

If looking to replace an aging car or crossover, hybrids present a smoother transition before going fully electric. Their improved efficiency reduces emissions and gas costs over traditional vehicles.

While Tesla continues leading the overall EV revolution, established automakers like Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes offer compelling options too. Spirited startups like Rivian and Lucid bring flair as well competing aggressively on range and performance.

Prioritize test driving your top contenders to experience these futuristic vehicles first-hand. Focus on models that balance your practical needs and passions best.

The rapid pace of electric vehicle advancement means even more battery, tech and charging infrastructure improvements continually arrive. So embrace the 21st century driving experience by finding your perfect electric match today!

Summary of Electric Vehicle Types