Electric Car Types Explained

BEVs are all-electric vehicles that are powered purely by electric motors and a battery pack, which can be conveniently recharged at home or at one of 30,000 UK charge points.

They’re quiet and easy to drive, plus range is around 100-150 miles on a single full charge. BEVs also produce no tailpipe emissions, making them the most eco-friendly choice.

Get the best of both worlds with HEVs, powered by both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine. HEVs switch between the two, so you can drive at lower speeds on electric power, and then the petrol or diesel engine kicks in on the motorway or if you have a heavy load.

Range is less than an all-electric car at around 1-2 miles, but you don’t need an external charge point for HEVs. The conventional engine recharges the battery and can be topped up by regenerative braking while you drive.

PHEVs are still hybrid cars, but the major difference is that you can recharge the battery through a charge point. Drivers benefit from both a conventional engine and electric power, which charges as you drive. But you can also top up the battery at home or on the move.

Range is larger than a standard hybrid – around 10-40 miles before the petrol or diesel engine kicks in – but you can plug-in to public charge points whenever you need.