As we prepare for the ban on manufacturing new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, do you know enough about the different types of Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Acronyms are easy for those in the know, but let’s unpick what each of them mean when it comes to choosing the right type of vehicle for you.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
These cars run purely on electricity and should be plugged into a dedicated home charger. An installed EV home charger is the most time and cost-efficient way to charge your car.
Most EVs are also delivered with a standard three-pin plug that can be used in a domestic plug socket, but most manufacturers advise you only use these in emergency situations.
Planning your journey is essential with a BEV, you will need to ensure you have enough battery life to get to your destination, or schedule a pit stop to recharge.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
PHEVs run on both electricity and fuel – either petrol or diesel. The primary source is electricity, which requires a plug-in charging point to refuel the battery. Again, a home charger is recommended for the best charging results.
If the battery becomes empty or the vehicle is travelling at speed, the engine with revert to using petrol or diesel.
You have more flexibility with a PHEV, as you have a back-up source of fuel. However, if you want optimum efficiency, then some planning is required to maximise your electricity consumption.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
These vehicles have the ability to run on either electricity or fuel, but mainly run on petrol or diesel. The electric battery is recharged through regenerative braking, not through a plugging into a charger.
The choice of energy is down to the driver, with most vehicles allowing the switch between traditional fuel and battery mode at the touch of a button.
Offering the best of both fuel types and you’re in control. This is a favourable transition option, for those wanting to test out an EV, but isn’t yet ready to make the full leap. However, both HEVs and PHEVs are planned to be phased out of manufacture by 2035.
Looking ahead
There’s some industry concern around whether the UK charging infrastructure will be ready in time for the 2030 ban, however, in February this year, a further £56million was allocated by the Government to increase charge points across the country.
This landscape continues to change, so keeping up-to-date with the latest developments is vital.