If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, the first step is to learn the various acronyms used to categorize these types of cars. Namely, EV vs. PHEV.
In short, “EV” refers to electric vehicles that run exclusively on electricity while “PHEV” refers to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that are powered by a mix of both electricity and gasoline.
What’s an EV?
An EV model is all electric, all the time. These vehicles have no conventional engine and are instead powered by rechargeable batteries. There’s also no clutch, gearbox, transmission, or exhaust pipe.
The batteries in EV cars are charged by plugging the vehicle into an external charging port. Driving ranges vary by model, but many of today’s EV cars can drive a couple hundred miles on a single battery charge.
What’s a PHEV?
A PHEV is a mix between an electric vehicle and a traditional gas-powered car. These vehicles share the same plug-in attributes as the EV models, but a PHEV is only good for around 20 to 50 miles of electric-only driving depending on the model.
Where a PHEV differs though is that once the electric battery is drained, the car then runs on gas just like a regular vehicle. This allows drivers to run exclusively on electricity for short trips around town and only revert to using gas for longer trips.
In other PHEVs, the electricity coming from the battery serves as a supplement to the gasoline-powered engine and the car can run on both at the same time to achieve well over 100 miles to the gallon of gas mileage.
Deciding Between EV and PHEV
So which type of electric vehicle is right for you? It may depend largely on how you plan to use it.
If you intend to just make short trips around town and wish to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible while increasing your transportation savings, an EV might be or you.
If you anticipate using the car to make some longer trips to the beach or to visit family, the increased driving range of a PHEV may be better for your needs.
Find Your Electric Car at Zimbrick Automotive
Want to learn more about the difference between EV and PHEV vehicles? Visit Zimbrick Automotive in Madison, WI. Our experts can answer your questions about these cars and send you on a test drive so you can experience the smooth and quiet ride these cars are known for.
Check out our inventory of new hybrid vehicles for sale and increase your savings even more by shopping in our used hybrid inventory.
Now that you know the difference between an EV and a PHEV, it’s time to take that next step by visiting your nearest Zimbrick dealer today.
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