EV stands for electric vehicle. While the term can broadly describe vehicles that use electricity for propulsion, EV commonly refers to a fully electric, battery-powered vehicle, also known as a BEV. But there are other abbreviations to be aware of as well.
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs entirely on electricity stored in a battery; a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) combines a gas engine with an electric motor without plugging in; a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a gas engine with a larger battery that can be plugged in; and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) uses hydrogen to generate electricity that powers an electric motor.
Types of Electric Vehicle at a Glance
Electric Cars and Battery Electric Vehicles
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery and does not use a gasoline engine.
EVs don’t run on gasoline or use internal combustion engines. Instead, electric cars run solely on battery power. Drivers can charge them at home using Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, and at commercial charging stations with Level 3 chargers (also called DC fast chargers).
Battery technology continues to improve, enabling electric cars to have greater range.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
A fuel cell electric vehicle, or FCEV, uses compressed hydrogen to generate electricity that powers an electric motor. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles require compressed hydrogen, the most common element on the planet. To fill up, it takes about the same time as it does a gas car.
Hydrogen is safe — it carries less energy than gasoline — but there’s limited infrastructure open to the public outside California to fill a vehicle up with hydrogen, so you don’t see many of these cars on the road.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
A hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV, combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and does not need to be plugged in.
Hybrid electric vehicles run on both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. However, unlike most electric vehicles, hybrid drivers charge their batteries via regenerative braking. They are not plugged into a power outlet and charged.
Regenerative braking recaptures some of the kinetic energy used to stop the car to recharge its electric battery. A full hybrid uses its stored battery power to move the car on electricity alone, but usually only for short distances before the gasoline engine kicks in.
One type of HEV, the micro or mild hybrid, typically does not use electric power to propel the car. Still, it takes a load off the gas engine, making it slightly more efficient than a standard gasoline-only vehicle. Mild hybrids maximize fuel economy by shutting off the internal combustion engine during complete stops.
Drivers like hybrids and PHEVs (see the next section) for their fuel economy because their reliance on battery power reduces the amount of gas the internal combustion engine uses, saving fuel and money.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a larger battery that can be charged by plugging the vehicle into an external power source.
Plug-in hybrids expand on the concept of the standard hybrid vehicle. They drive with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a larger battery pack. This allows the battery to store enough energy to power the electric motor and, in turn, reduce your gas usage. This can save you time and money at the gas pump. PHEVs can travel dozens of miles on electric power alone, depending on the model, whereas a standard hybrid vehicle has a more limited range of electric-only operation.
Extended-Range Electric Vehicles
Extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs, use electric motors to propel the vehicle, while an onboard gasoline engine primarily serves as a generator to charge the battery.
EREVs have traditionally been considered a type of series hybrid, but the technology is increasingly marketed as a distinct category. New range-extended vehicles include the Ram 1500 REV, Nissan Rogue Hybrid, and upcoming Scout Motors models equipped with the Harvester range extender. In these systems, the gasoline engine or generator extends driving range by generating electricity rather than serving as the vehicle’s primary mechanical connection to the wheels.
The Ram 1500 REV pairs its battery with an onboard generator powered by a gasoline engine. Scout Motors says its Harvester range extender will operate as an onboard generator, recharging the high-voltage battery without mechanically driving the wheels.
Parallel, or blended, PHEVs, on the other hand, can use their internal combustion engine and electric motors to move the car.
Which EV Will Fit You Best?
Electrified Vehicle Guide
Which Type of EV Is Right for You?
Can you plug in where you park?
The best type depends on where you drive, how far you typically travel, and whether charging is convenient. Every question and result is listed below.
Do your typical trips fit within a battery’s range?
Think about most of your driving in a normal week — not your one big annual trip.
How do road trips fit into your driving?
This can be a deciding factor between going all-electric or keeping a gasoline engine.
BEV
Battery Electric Vehicle Plugs inRuns entirely on electricity, with no gasoline engine at all. The right call when you can reliably charge at home, at work, or nearby and your typical driving fits comfortably within the vehicle’s range.
- FuelingPlug in at home or in public — no gas stops at all.
- Before you commitCheck whether reliable fast charging exists along the routes you regularly travel.
- Watch forCharging away from home takes planning on unfamiliar routes.
Runner-up: if fast charging is thin on your regular routes, a PHEV gives you electric daily driving with gas as the safety net.
PHEV
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Plugs inCompletes much of your everyday driving on electricity while retaining a gasoline engine for longer trips. Fits when you have regular charging access but don’t want range to shape your travel plans.
- FuelingPlug in for daily driving; fill up with gas for the long haul.
- Before you commitBe honest about whether you’ll plug in regularly — that’s where the benefit lives.
- Watch forSkip the charging and it behaves much like a conventional hybrid.
Runner-up: an HEV if you’d rather not plug in at all, or an EREV for electric propulsion with a generator as backup.
EREV
Extended-Range Electric Vehicle Plugs inElectric propulsion and the ability to plug in, plus an onboard generator that extends your driving range when the battery’s available charge gets low.
- FuelingPlug in for electric driving; the onboard generator burns gas as a range extender.
- Before you commitConfirm how the vehicle behaves once the battery is depleted — it varies by model.
- Watch forA smaller, newer category, so there are fewer models to compare.
Runner-up: a PHEV covers similar ground with a far wider selection of models.
HEV
Hybrid Electric Vehicle No plug neededImproved fuel economy without changing your fueling habits or plugging in — the battery recharges itself as you drive. Also a fit for frequent long-distance driving when you don’t want to plan stops around EV chargers.
- FuelingGas only. Nothing new to learn, nothing to plug in.
- Before you commitWeigh the fuel economy gain against the price difference versus a gas-only version.
- Watch forNo all-electric driving, so no charging savings either.
Runner-up: if charging access changes later — a new home, a new job — a PHEV is worth a second look.
FCEV
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Fuels with hydrogenElectric driving powered by a hydrogen fuel cell rather than a plug. Worth considering if you live near reliable hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
- FuelingHydrogen at a station, not electricity from a plug.
- Before you commitConfirm the stations near you are open and operating consistently.
- Watch forAvailability remains primarily concentrated in California.
Runner-up: a BEV delivers the same electric driving experience with far broader fueling infrastructure.
All five types, side by side
| Type | Plugs in? | Gas engine? | Consider it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEV | Yes | No | You can charge reliably and your driving fits the range; fast charging covers your road-trip routes. |
| HEV | No | Yes | You want better fuel economy with no change to your fueling habits, or drive long distances often. |
| PHEV | Yes | Yes | You have regular charging access and want most everyday driving on electricity, with gas for longer trips. |
| EREV | Yes | Yes, as a generator | You want electric propulsion plus an onboard generator to extend range when charge gets low. |
| FCEV | No — hydrogen | No | You live near reliable hydrogen fueling; availability is concentrated primarily in California. |
Graphic: Tawana Campbell
If you’re going to be shopping for an EV, check out our Car Buying Information Center for in-depth advice on the shopping process.
FAQs
What Type of Car Uses Gas and Electricity?
A hybrid vehicle can use both gas and electricity.
What Does PHEV Stand For?
PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. A PHEV uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery that can be recharged by plugging the vehicle into an external power source.
How Far Can an Electric Car Go?
The electric car range depends on the vehicle. Many EVs can travel more than 250 miles on a full battery charge, while some long-range models can travel well beyond 400 miles.
What Does Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Mean?
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a battery-powered electric vehicle. A battery electric vehicle (BEV) uses only an electric motor or motors for propulsion, gets its energy from electricity stored in a rechargeable battery, and does not use gasoline.
What’s the Difference Between a Hybrid and a Plug-in Hybrid?
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses a gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a battery that recharges through regenerative braking and engine operation. It does not plug in. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source, allowing it to travel farther on electricity before relying more heavily on its gasoline engine.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. Chanel Lee contributed to this report.
Related Electric Car Articles:
- Plug-In Hybrid Buying Guide
- Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?
- Electric Car vs. Hybrid vs. Plug-in Hybrid Car: Which is Best for You?
