There are 3 types of Electric Vehicles
BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle: A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) has no gasoline engine, relying solely on its battery to supply energy for an electric motor. BEVs are renowned for their emission-free operation and remarkably quiet performance. The "range" or distance achievable on a single charge, varies across different models and years, but the majority of BEVs can cover anywhere from 75 to 402 miles per charge—an impressive figure that continues to expand at a rapid pace.
Examples of BEVs: Tesla Model 3, Y, X and S. Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf. Different manufacturers/models have different “charge ports” which we’ll touch upon shortly.
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: For individuals who appreciate the versatility of two automotive worlds, there exists another category of EVs known as a "Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle," often abbreviated as "PHEV." PHEVs are equipped with both a gasoline engine and a fuel tank, along with a charging port designed to replenish an electric battery. With the average daily commute for most Americans hovering around 15 miles, a typical electric range for a PHEV falls within the range of 10 to 40 miles, ideally suited for commuters who have the option to recharge either at home or while on the move. Once the electric range is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly transitions to hybrid mode, relying on its gasoline engine.
Examples of PHEVs: Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota Prius PHEV, Chevrolet Volt and Kia Optima PHEV.
HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle: For those who are not yet prepared to fully embrace the realm of all-electric vehicles, there exists another category known as "Hybrid Electric Vehicles," often abbreviated as "HEV." HEVs derive their power from an internal combustion gasoline engine, referred to as an ICE. In certain HEV models, the ICE serves a dual purpose by both recharging the electric battery and propelling the vehicle's transmission, while in others, the ICE exclusively replenishes the battery, which, in turn, powers the electric motor. Regardless of the configuration, HEVs are essentially gasoline-powered cars that emit significantly lower levels of pollutants compared to conventional gasoline vehicles. They are an excellent choice for individuals who are environmentally conscious or seeking to economize on fuel expenses. An HEV features both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, with an electric battery and a gas tank located at the rear of the vehicle.
Examples of HEVs: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid. Since HEVs cannot plug in, they do not require an EV Charger.
Electric vehicle (EV) connectors come in many different forms and sizes. Let's explore four of the most prevalent EV connectors that you will likely encounter when considering the purchase of a new electric car.
