Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming transportation. As battery costs fall and more models become available, global EV sales are surging – jumping 70% in 2021 alone. Government regulations and aggressive electrification commitments from automakers like GM and Volvo means rapid change lies ahead. So what do drivers need to know about the key EV options today and where the industry is headed tomorrow? This guide explores it all.
An Electric Revolution is Underway
Before covering the EV types themselves, it’s worth recapping why electrification represents such a revolution. BloombergNEF projects over 30% of all vehicles sold globally will be electric by 2030. Several interlocking trends are catalyzing this:
Environmental Pressure: With transportation producing nearly 1⁄4 of greenhouse gas emissions, governments are cracking down on standards. The EU aims to reduce new car emissions 55% by 2030. This pressure has automakers racing towards carbon neutrality.
Falling Battery Prices: The graphs tell the story – lithium-ion battery pack prices have dropped a staggering 89% in the last decade. This makes EVs cost competitive with gas vehicles, unleashing massive demand.
Battery pack prices over time. Source: World Economic Forum
New Model Availability: As the economics improve, auto manufacturers are investing billions into new BEV and PHEV models. There will be over 200 electric models available globally by 2022. Many popular segments like SUVs are going electric.
Simply put, EVs are crossing an adoption tipping point. Understanding the pros, cons and differences between battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) has therefore become essential for new car buyers.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): The Future is Electric
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) represent the ultimate vision of electric transportation – cars, trucks, and SUVs powered by just a battery pack and electric motors. The soaring popularity of Tesla over the past decade proved the performance potential of BEVs. Now, all major automakers are betting big on electrification.
General Motors plans to stop selling gas-powered passenger vehicles by 2035. The Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup saw 200,000 pre-orders placed within a year of launch. Clearly, the market has spoken – the future is electric.
BEVs run entirely on battery stored electricity. Modern lithium-ion batteries can hold 50-100+ kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy safely while keeping weight manageable. That translates into real world driving ranges between 200-350+ miles in most new models:
| BEV Model | Battery Capacity | EPA Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 82 kWh | 358 miles |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 98 kWh | 314 miles |
| Hyundai Kona | 64 kWh | 258 miles |
To extend mobility and make road trips practical in BEVs, new ultra-fast charging systems can recharge up to 300 miles of range in just 15 minutes. So even though BEV driving itself requires more planning than gas cars, next generation charging will help ease concerns.
The Benefits of Going Electric
Driving electric using just stored battery power carries some major benefits:
Environmental: BEVs produce zero direct emissions from driving. Their lifecycle emissions are far lower than gas vehicles when accounting for manufacturing. Charging from renewable energy like solar power further diminishes grid impact.
Performance: Electric motors provide instant torque, delivering sports car-like acceleration. The 1,020 horsepower Lucid Air Dream Edition, for instance, has a rated time of 2.5 seconds when accelerating from 0 to 60 mph. No production gas car can match that.
Reduced Maintenance: BEVs eliminate engine oil changes, air filters, spark plug replacements and other regular maintenance needs. Their simpler drivetrains have fewer points of potential failure.
Lower Operating Costs: Electricity is a cheaper ‘fuel‘ than gasoline per mile driven. And with fewer part replacements needed, insurance and repairs are minimized too. Here is a 5 year total cost of ownership estimate comparing a compact BEV and gas car:
| Cost Type | BEV | Gas Car |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Purchase Price | $43,000 | $28,000 |
| Electricity / Gas | $5,500 | $11,500 |
| Maintenance | $1,100 | $3,100 |
| Total (5 Years) | $49,600 | $42,600 |
Battery replacements may be needed after 5-10 years adding costs, but declining battery prices should minimize this.
The Challenges Facing BEV Adoption
While promising, there are still hurdles to mainstream BEV adoption:
Range Limitations: Most affordable BEVs still max out at ~250 miles per charge. This poses challenges for rural buyers and road trippers. Adding 100+ kWh battery packs helps but increases weight and cost.
Charging Infrastructure: The public charging network, while expanding, has gaps in less populated places. Finding stations on trips takes planning. Home and workplace chargers help offset this.
High Upfront Cost: Battery packs remain expensive to manufacture, meaning BEV prices exceed similar gas models. The Kia EV6 starts at $42k for example, versus $21k for the gas Kia Forte. Cost parity depends on battery prices continuing their downward trend.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Best of Both Worlds
For drivers wanting electric vehicle advantages without total reliance on external charging, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer an appealing compromise. PHEVs blend electric driving out of larger onboard battery packs with gas capabilities from traditional internal combustion engines.
PHEVs typically offer 10-40+ miles of all-electric driving from their battery packs, ideal for most people‘s daily commutes. Then a gas motor seamlessly activates when the pack depletes, functioning like a standard hybrid vehicle from there. This avoids any chance of being stranded without charge compared to BEVs.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e demonstrates the real-world adaptability plug-in hybrids enable with their electric and gas dual power systems:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Electric Range | 50 miles |
| Gas Range | 500 miles |
| Total System Horsepower | 389 hp |
| Electric Top Speed | 84 mph |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 5.3 seconds |
Further showcasing that flexibility, several PHEVs like the Toyota Prius Prime let you choose when utilizing its battery charge versus gas engine. So on a drive to grandma‘s house an hour away, you could save the charge for driving emission-free in her neighborhood only.
Why PHEVs Appeal to Many Drivers Today
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles carry some meaningful advantages making them attractive EV options currently:
No Range Anxiety: By carrying gas tanks alongside larger battery packs, PHEV drivers need not worry about running out of charge far from home or charging stations. The gas safety net lets you drive wherever needed.
Reduced Emissions: PHEV drivers can drastically cut their gasoline usage and emissions by charging up rather than filling tanks. Studies show PHEV owners who regularly charge slash fuel consumption by up to 75%.
Affordability: While carrying a price premium over gas-only hybrid alternatives, PHEVs provide substantial EV capabilities without nearing BEV cost levels. For example, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson PHEV starts under $35,000.
Why PHEVs Get Criticized Too
Plug-in hybrid tech solves some problems facing BEV adoption, but has its own criticisms and downsides worth knowing:
Still Burns Gas: PHEV fuel savings and environmental benefits diminish for drivers unable or unwilling to plug in regularly. And they emit from tailpipes when engines run despite cleaner operation overall.
Complexity: Blending an internal combustion engine with electric motors, battery pack and control software leads to packaging challenges. More potential reliability issues may arise long-term from the added complexity.
MPG Focused: Compared with performance-oriented BEVs, even plug-in SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe make some acceleration and capability compromises to maximize mileage versus gas edition liftbacks.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles: The Gateway Drug
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) represent the most modest form of vehicle electrification with their combination of gas and electric power. First rising to popularity in the late 90s with Honda and Toyota models, hybrids focus efficiency over extended electric driving capabilities.
Rather than large plug-in battery packs, HEVs have small onboard batteries – usually around 1-2 kWh capacity. These hybrid batteries store power from regenerative braking and gas engine output to assist acceleration. Combining electric torque fills in the powerband gaps of high-efficiency gas engines tuned for maximum mpg rather than performance.
The venerable Toyota Prius demonstrates the fuel efficiency possible from refinement of this basic hybrid formula over decades:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 56 mpg |
| Battery Capacity | 1.3 kWh |
| Electric Motor Power | 71 hp |
| Total Range | ~600 miles |
Thanks to their affordable prices and no need to ever plug in, hybrids will continue playing a key role as gateway vehicles helping the average driver transition into electrification. HEV tech also ensures high fuel efficiency possible in vehicles not yet suited to full battery-electric capabilities – like trucks and performance cars.
Toyota, Hyundai/Kia and Ford dominate hybrid sales right now, but choices are expanding:
| Manufacturer | Hybrid Models Available |
|---|---|
| Toyota/Lexus | 19 |
| Hyundai/Kia | 10 |
| Ford | 8 |
| Honda | 7 |
The Hybrid Value Proposition
Hybrid tech delivers tangible value, especially for high-mileage drivers:
Proven Reliable: Hybrid vehicles have been mass produced since the late 90s. The simplicity of HEV systems like eCVT transmissions ensures Toyota and Honda models commonly reach 300,000+ miles with proper maintenance.
Excellent MPG: Combining electric torque with gas power enables major mileage gains. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is EPA rated for 59 mpg combined city/highway versus 38 mpg for Hyundai‘s Elantra gas sedan.
Lower Emissions: Though still emitting from tailpipes, hybrids especially help cut carbon dioxide and smog thanks to clean electric power filling in gaps from optimized gas engines. This helps explain their surging popularity in eco-conscious regions like California.
Reasonable Cost: The premium for HEV powertrains has fallen steadily, with brands like Hyundai committing to very small markup differences versus gas models. The incoming 2023 Toyota Prius actually undercuts its last generation’s starting MSRP.
WhyHybrids Get Left Out of the Electric Future
While fantastic transitional vehicles, regular hybrids have meaningful downsides explaining theirfade from prominence as BEVs grab headlines:
Limited Electric Miles: Unlike PHEVs, HEVs don’t plug in and their tiny battery packs can only propel the vehicle short distances. This restricts their ability to drive gas-free.
MPG Focused: Hybrids excel efficiency but are generally slower accelerating than gas counterparts. And performance hybrids with potent electric torque remain extremely rare even today outside supercars.
Not Environmentally Groundbreaking: Though lowering emissions versus pure ICE vehicles, hybrids still rely heavily on gasoline and release pollutants from tailpipes. Their eco-footprint improvements are modest next to BEVs.
Which Electric Vehicle Type is Right For You?
With their pros, cons and differences covered, here is a quick guide to finding the optimal electrified powertrain based on driving needs:
Best for City Driving and Commuting:
PHEVs provide an ideal blend of EV-only commuting range with gas flexibility when destinations are farther away in the city. BEVs also deliver superb commuting capabilities.
Best for Road Trips and Travel:
Only PHEV crossovers, SUVs and sedans enable worry-free long-distance journeys regardless of charging network gaps thanks to internal combustion engine backup.
Best for Towing and Hauling:
Trucks and SUVs with hybrid or PHEV powertrains balance EV fuel savings during light duty work with gas flexibility for seriously heavy trailer towing that could quickly deplete batteries.
Best on Performance and Speed:
BEV performance variants like Tesla Model S Plaid and Porche Taycan obliterate gas sports car acceleration and torque thanks to instant electric motor outputs. PHEV sports cars trail their capabilities.
Most Affordable to Buy:
The total cost change of basic hybrid system integration into existing gas car platforms is falling. Brands like Hyundai and Toyota price certain hybrid models at just a small premium over their gas siblings – making hybrids the budget play.
The Electric Future is Bright
Government emissions regulations get stricter by the year while excitement around EVs continues building. This enthusiasm only grows as more drivers experience instant torque and silky smooth operation only possible with electric power. Opportunities for customization may even increase as intelligent skateboard platforms standardize.
While BEVs stand to win long term as costs fall, PHEVs play a key role in the transition with unparalleled flexibility. Hybrids also retain upside as the affordable path to high fuel efficiency. Even in trucks, hybrid and plug-in models pave the way for full electrification by proving capabilities.
In coming years, expect continued expansion of charging networks, breakthroughs in battery chemistries unlocking new performance levels and additional body styles electrified. The golden age of EVs has only just begun – with a bright future ahead.
