Get up to speed on electric vehicles

How EVs work

An electric vehicle stores electricity in an internal traction battery pack, otherwise known as a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery supplies power to the electric traction motor that turns the wheels of the vehicle. When the battery is low on power, just plug the vehicle into a charging station to recharge.

Types of EVs

There’s an electric vehicle for every lifestyle

Choose an electric vehicle (EV) that’s right for you!

criteria	Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
ENGINE TYPE	Battery-powered electric motor	Internal combustion engine and battery-powered electric motor
POWER SOURCE	Plugs into an electric power source	Plugs into an electric power source and uses gasoline
MILE RANGE	Up to 300 miles on one charge	Up to 50 miles in all-electric mode and up to 500 total miles before refueling
FUEL TYPE	Electricity only	Electricity or gasoline

Check out the Electric Power Research Institute’s Consumer Guide to Electric Vehicles to learn more about EVs in today’s market.

Click to expand more information on each type of EV:

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) run solely on electricity. They receive their energy by plugging into a power source such as an electric vehicle charging station or a charger installed in your home. A BEV uses a battery to store electric energy that powers the motor and vehicle.

Depending on the type of vehicle, battery electric vehicles can travel more than 300 miles on one charge. The range on BEVs continues to increase as technology improves.

Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PEHVs)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), also known as plug-in hybrids, have a smaller battery capacity compared to a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Unlike a BEV, a PHEV runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted. At that time the vehicle automatically transfers to its internal combustion engine.

Most PHEVs are light-duty passenger cars, but there are also commercial vehicles, vans, utility trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles, scooters and military vehicles. Several manufacturers have released SUVs and pickup trucks.

Why consider an EV?

EVs are for everyone

The automotive industry is moving toward more responsible transportation options such as electric vehicles (EVs). Vehicle manufacturers like Ford, GM and Nissan have invested billions of dollars into electric vehicle research and development. Organizations, governments and businesses worldwide have pledged to produce more responsible technology.

Aside from the auto industry’s shift to electrification, driving electric provides benefits for all drivers.

Drive farther. You can travel more than 500 miles in a plug-in hybrid electric without refueling or charging your vehicle. Some battery EVs are achieving more than 300 miles on one charge. That number continues to increase as technology advances.
Save money. On average, it costs about $1.20 for an equivalent gallon of gas to charge an EV. Learn how much it costs to charge an EV in your state.

In addition, having fewer parts under the hood decreases maintenance costs. Say goodbye to oil changes with your BEV. Save even more with federal tax incentives. Learn which vehicles are eligible and watch as more used EVs become available.
Charge at home, at work and in the community. Chargers are becoming more common every day. You can find them at homes and multi-family dwellings, at businesses and in communities, so it’s easy to fuel up wherever you are.
Make an environmental impact. There are little to no tailpipe emissions when a car runs on electricity. That helps everyone live healthier lives.

There are more than 50 different types of light-duty electric vehicles on the market today, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans.

Whether you’re interested in a plug-in hybrid or a battery electric vehicle, you can choose one that works best for your lifestyle.

Check out the Electric Power Research Institute’s "Consumer Guide to Electric Vehicles" [PDF download] or the US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center to learn more about EVs in today’s market.

Do you want to learn more about your savings potential with an electric vehicle?

Check out our tool that can help you get a personal estimate based on your driving habits, compare vehicle options and more.

Find an EV for the whole family

There are dozens of affordable EV models available today. They range from sedans to minivans to pickup trucks.

Learn more

Charge up your business

Explore how EVs and charging infrastructure can benefit your business.

Learn more

Make your community an EV destination

EV adoption in your community can help achieve cost saving, environmental and economic development goals.

Learn more

Suggested Topics

Get up to speed on electric vehicles

How EVs work

Types of EVs

Click to expand more information on each type of EV:

Why consider an EV?

EVs are for everyone

Do you want to learn more about your savings potential with an electric vehicle?

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