With so many different options like EVs, PHEVs, REEVs, EREVs, MHEVs, BEVs, and HEVs on the market, the selection between different types of electric cars can be tough.

Let’s end this debacle once and for all. In this blog post, we’ll not only explain the key differences between various types of electric cars but also shed light on their pros and cons.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

What is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)?

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a purely electric vehicle simply known as EV. It does not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) and relies solely on electric motors for propulsion. EVs are laced with large battery packs that provide electric power to motors. You can charge a BEV by plugging it into an electric power source.

Advantages of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

• BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
• Purely electric cars have lower running costs than other types of electric cars.
• BEVs offer immediate acceleration as motors directly power the wheels.
• Electric cars require almost no maintenance at all.
• Electric vehicles will be legally compliant with the emission rules of all countries.

Disadvantages of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

• Charging a BEV takes much longer than filling up a gasoline tank.
• The absence of widespread charging networks can make EV charging a hassle.
• As EVs rely only on electric power, there is no backup power once batteries are empty.
• Replacing large-sized battery packs of EVs is quite expensive.
• Over time, the battery capacity can diminish, leading to reduced range and performance.

What is a Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?

A PHEV combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine. It can operate in electric-only mode for shorter distances or use the gasoline engine for longer trips. They usually have smaller battery packs that kick in as needed and can be charged exactly like pure EVs.

Advantages of Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

• PHEVs can switch to gasoline for longer journeys, reducing range anxiety.
• Plugin hybrids achieve better fuel efficiency by using both electric and gasoline power.
• Plug-in electric cars produce no emissions when operating in electric mode.
• PHEVs may qualify for government tax credits or rebates.
• Charging times for PHEVs are much shorter than those for pure-electric cars.

Disadvantages of Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

• Although PHEVs reduce emissions, they don’t eliminate those.
• PHEVs have a more complex drivetrain than BEVs.
• The electric range of a PHEV is very short than that of a BEV.
• You still need to charge a PHEV, which is time-consuming.

What is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)?

A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) also uses an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. They can run on electric power alone but only for short distances. Unlike PHEVs, HEVs cannot be charged from an external source. Instead, they rely on regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine as a generator to recharge their batteries. This is why HEVs are also known as self-charging hybrid cars.

Advantages of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

• HEVs typically offer better fuel economy than conventional vehicles.
• They produce fewer emissions than traditional ICE vehicles.
• You don’t need to charge a hybrid vehicle at all.
• Hybrid electric cars have been around longer than other types of EVs.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

• HEVs cannot operate solely on electric power.
• The emissions from HEVs are much more than EVs and PHEVs.
• HEVs have generally much higher maintenance costs than EVs and PHEVs.
• The performance of HEVs isn’t as great as EVs.
• The replacement cost of hybrid car batteries is also quite significant.
• MHEVs may not qualify for the same tax incentives as fully electric vehicles.

What is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)?

Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are often confused with the HEVs. The key difference between the two is that MHEVs cannot run on electric power alone. Instead, they use small battery packs to boost the fuel economy of your car. They will feel exactly similar to any internal combustion engine car while driving. Plus, you don’t need to charge an MHEV.

Advantages of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

• They produce fewer emissions than traditional vehicles.
• You don’t need to replace its batteries every 3-5 years like HEVs.
• MHEVs improve fuel efficiency by using motors to run accessories while idling.
• MHEVs are generally more reliable than HEVs.
• You don’t need to charge an MHEV at all.

Disadvantages of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

• The emissions from MHEVs are much more than EVs, PHEVs, and HEVs.
• MHEVs cannot operate solely on electric power.
• The addition of batteries and motors makes the drivetrain complex.

What is a Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV)?

A REEV, also known as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), runs solely on electric power from the batteries. However, they also use a small range-extender gasoline engine as a generator to recharge the batteries while driving. Unlike EVs, you don’t have to charge EREVs from an external source. And they differ from HEVs and MHEVs because they run only on electric power instead of gasoline fuel from the engine.

Advantages of Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV)

• REEVs can travel further than standard BEVs.
• EREVs eliminate range anxiety by providing a backup power source.
• You can operate a REEV on electric power alone.
• When operating on electric power, REEVs produce zero emissions.
• They combine the utility of a gasoline vehicle with the environmental benefits of an EV.

Disadvantages of Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV)

• Range-extender drivetrains are much more complex than EVs or PHEVs.
• The additional engine can increase maintenance complexity and costs.
• REEVs consume more fuel than PHEVs due to the constant operation of the engine.
• The added weight of the battery and range extender can affect performance.

Final Word: Which Type of Electric Car is the Best?

The choice between an EV, PHEV, HEV, MHEV, or REEV ultimately depends on your individual needs and driving habits. Consider factors such as your daily commute, access to charging stations, and budget when making your decision.

Looking for an EV, PHEV, HEV, MHEV, or REEV? You can import one from China at a highly affordable price. GuangcaiAuto brings you a variety of reliable and efficient electric cars.

We offer electric, plugin hybrid, hybrid, semi-hybrid, and range extender electric cars from 60+ worldwide auto brands. With our efficient shipping and streamlined import process, bringing your dream electric vehicle to your doorstep is easier than ever.

Get in touch with our sales team for more information, and don’t forget to explore our blog for the latest news and offers from the Chinese car market.