There are different types of electric vehicles. BEVs are fully electric and rechargeable. PHEVs (Plug-in hybrid cars) and HEVs (self-charging hybrid cars) also have a petrol engine. There are pros and cons to each vehicle, depending on lifestyle. This guide compares BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs to help you make an informed decision.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEV) are the key options you’ll have to choose from when exploring the EV market. So, what is the difference? We’ve defined and compared the different types of electric cars and hybrid vehicles below.

• BEV stands for battery electric vehicle.
• Fully electric with rechargeable internal batteries, and don’t require petrol or diesel for power.
• Powered solely by electricity from an internal battery pack, which is recharged from mains electricity.
• Zero-emission vehicles, and they don’t have a tailpipe, which means they don’t contribute to pollution.
• There are a variety of benefits that come with BEV cars, such as zero emissions, increased energy efficiency, lower operating costs, a quiet driving experience, and instant torque.

BEVs continue to gain popularity as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, allowing drivers to minimise their environmental impact while still enjoying power behind the wheel.

EVs provide 100% torque instantly, meaning they accelerate faster than their internal combustion engine counterparts. ICE Cars rely on transmissions to multiply lower initial torque.

Find out more about the benefits of electric cars in our guide. 

• A hybrid electric vehicle.
• Combine both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.
• Operates using either the conventional engine, the electric motor, or a combination of both — this typically depends on driving conditions.
• Cannot be plugged in to recharge, as the battery only assists the engine, and is recharged by regenerative braking.

Several advantages come with HEV vehicles, such as improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and the ability to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds.

• A PHEV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. 
• Combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. 
• PHEVs can be plugged in to charge externally in a home charger or a public charging station. 
• Much larger battery than HEVs, and can travel anywhere from 10-40 miles before their internal combustion engine needs to be used. Once the electric charge has depleted, a PHEV will switch to use its fuel reserve.

A few features differentiate PHEVs from HEVs and BEVs, including the dual power source, external charging capabilities, the ability to drive in an electric-only range, regenerative braking, and reduced fuel consumption.

Find everything you need to know in our plug-in hybrid car guides.

When choosing a new electric vehicle, you’ll need to consider whether a fully electric BEV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid best suits your lifestyle. Let’s compare HEV vs BEV vs PHEV in the table below:

When deciding whether to choose a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, it all comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.

A BEV may be the best option if you are committed to reducing emissions, as they are generally emission-free. They’re great for short daily commutes, but with technology improving, the range is also increasing for longer journeys. 

A plug-in hybrid may be the best option if you have access to charging infrastructure but would still like to have the peace of mind that your car is supported by an internal combustion engine.

A hybrid car may be a good choice if you don’t have access to charging infrastructure but you’d still like to make a positive change when it comes to emissions - with no need for electric charging points. 

Think about your usage, lifestyle, and environmental impact when choosing the best EV for you — whether that’s a fully electric car, like the BYD DOLPHIN, the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid, or the efficient balance of the hybrid-electric vehicle.