What Type of EV is Right for Me?

Hybrid Electric Vehicles, or HEV, were the first vehicles to introduce electric power more than 20 years ago. The word hybrid was used, as they seamlessly integrate electricity and gasoline to power the wheels. All HEVs feature a normal internal combustion engine, typically one with a smaller displacement. Meanwhile, the gas-powered engine works with at least one electric motor powered by a self-charging battery pack. The vehicle relies heavily on electric power to maximize fuel efficiency and limit carbon emissions. However, when more power is requested by the driver, for example, when driving up a hill or accelerating from a stop, the gas engine will kick on. While idling, decelerating, or cruising, the vehicle will disengage the gas engine, running solely on electric power. HEVs are an excellent alternative for drivers seeking a fuel efficient car and well-loved among drivers with longer commutes, as they can provide up to 700 miles in driving range with a full tank. The hybrid battery employed by HEVs doesn't require charging, as it recharges itself with regenerative braking. This is the process of harnessing the kinetic energy created by the braking system, converting it into electrical energy, and sending it back to the battery pack. 

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV for short, seamlessly combines the benefits of the aforementioned HEV and the BEV, which we'll speak about below. A PHEV is set up similarly to an HEV, featuring a gas engine, one or more electric motors, and a battery pack. However, the most critical difference is that PHEVs rely heavily on an external power source to recharge the battery, as it is oftentimes much larger than a hybrid battery. Many PHEVs allow drivers the option of gas, electric, or hybrid power. For example, the Jeep 4xe models feature the E-Selec buttons: E-Save, Hybrid, and Electric. While E-Save shuts down the EV system, running solely on fuel, Electric does the opposite, disengaging the internal combustion engine, using only electric power to drive the wheels. Meanwhile, the Hybrid mode offers a seamless blend of gas and electric power. In short, PHEVs bridge the gap created by hybrids and all-electric vehicles. The benefit is that PHEVs offer a great stepping stone for drivers looking to transition to an all-electric vehicle without the range anxiety. PHEVs significantly reduce range anxiety because, even with the battery fully depleted, the gas engine will allow you to keep driving, also making it a great choice for drivers with a longer commute. 

The last type of EV is a battery electric vehicle, or BEV for short. Also referred to as an all-electric or fully-electric vehicle, BEVs entirely get rid of an internal combustion engine, running solely on electric motors and a large battery pack. By eliminating the need for fuel, BEVs, in turn, eliminate fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. Although recharging a BEV is not free, it is significantly more affordable than gasoline. In fact, BEV owners report saving nearly $1,000 on fuel costs each year. BEVs are often chosen by people with shorter commutes, as there is no backup power from a gas engine. However, as electric vehicle technology progresses, driving ranges are becoming longer and longer as years pass, with some already reaching 500+ miles of all-electric driving. 

After reading this page, we here at Chrysler of Culpeper hope that you have a greater understanding of the different types of EVs and which is best for you. If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact our sales team using the form below or by calling us directly at 540-640-6603. Additionally, we invite you to check out our wide selection of new PHEV models like the Dodge Hornet R/T, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid here on our website's new inventory page. We look forward to hearing from you!