EV terms, in plain English
BEV, PHEV and hybrid
Battery EVs, plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids use electricity in different ways. The difference changes how you refuel, what you spend and what emissions the car produces.
Not every car described as electric or electrified works the same way.
A battery-electric vehicle (BEV) runs only on electricity. It has no petrol or diesel engine and must be plugged in to recharge. This is what most people mean when they say EV.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a rechargeable battery and a combustion engine. It can drive a limited distance on electricity, then use petrol or diesel when the battery is depleted or when the car needs extra power.
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) also combines an engine and an electric motor, but you do not plug it in. Its smaller battery is charged by the engine and through regenerative braking. It may travel short distances at low speed on electricity, but fuel remains its main energy source.
You may also see the term mild hybrid. A mild hybrid uses a small electrical system to assist the engine and usually cannot drive on electricity alone.
PHEVs deliver their best fuel and emissions results when they are charged regularly and much of the driving fits within their electric range. If they are rarely plugged in, they can behave like a relatively heavy petrol car.
Why it matters: check what is actually powering the car. Charging needs, fuel use, servicing and tax treatment can differ substantially between a BEV, PHEV and hybrid.
Ready to narrow it down? Tell us what matters and we’ll shortlist up to three EVs that fit.