The whole industry of transportation and vehicles is shifting towards more sustainable options. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the differences between diverse models of electric vehicles (EVs). Each of these models—including BEVs, PHEVs, EREVs, FCEVs, and HEVs—comes with its unique pros and cons.
In our post today, we aim to initially explain how each of these vehicles works and then discuss what their main differences are in terms of power source, driving experiences, and other criteria. In the end, we’ll also get to know 10 top EV manufacturers and their well-known models.
Table of Contents
What is BEV?
A Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses just the electricity in its rechargeable batteries to operate. Conventional vehicles are operated using internal combustion engines (ICEs)—fueled by gasoline or diesel—but BEVs use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries to work. These batteries can be simply charged if you plug the vehicle into a charging station or a standard household outlet.
The essential components of a BEV are:
- Electric Motor: Responsible for driving the wheels
- Battery Pack: Responsible for storing the electricity for the motor
BEVs operate so quietly and deliver instantaneous torque and zero tailpipe emissions, hence being friendly to the environment. Plus, they furnish a smooth driving experience and demand negligible maintenance tasks.
The range per charge that these vehicles support swings on the battery capacity and driving conditions, but it’s been steadily increasing in recent years. The popularity of these cars is soaring due to their sustainability and zero-emission performance.
What is PHEV?
A Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is a type of hybrid electric vehicle that mixes these items:
- An ICE
- An electric motor
- A larger battery pack
PHEVs enable you to use either the electric mode powered by the electricity in their batteries or switch to hybrid mode where you use both the electric motor and the ICE.
What differentiates PHEVs from traditional hybrid vehicles is that you can plug them into an external electric power source to charge them. This helps them travel a specific distance solely on the battery before the ICE enters the game. You’ll enjoy a limited all-electric range—typically from 20 to 50 miles or more.
PHEVs consume less fuel and have less emission during their electric-only driving. This makes them a wonderful choice for those who commute shorter or don’t access charging infrastructure. For longer trips, these vehicles can work like conventional hybrid vehicles as they use the ICE when needed, thereby maximizing their range compared to electric-only vehicles.
What is EREV?
An Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) is a type of EV that blends characteristics of both BEVs and PHEVs. They mainly use an electric motor—similar to BEVs—but they also add a gasoline or other fuel-powered range extender as a generator to recharge the battery when necessary.
What distinguishes EREVs is their ability to work only on electricity for a considerably long range. They usually cover daily commuting distances with no need for the range extender. When the battery is out of charge, these cars don’t directly drive the wheels; instead, the range extender starts and powers the electric motor to extend the vehicle’s overall range.
EREVs are quiet and generate zero tailpipe emissions during electric-only operation. They’re amazing choices for drivers who want electric driving for daily tasks but like to be able to flexibly extend the range.
What is FCEV?
A Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is another type of EV that employs hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which powers an electric motor. What makes them unique is that they don’t need combustion engines or traditional batteries like other EVs; instead, they store hydrogen gas in onboard tanks and mix it with oxygen from the air in the fuel cell stack to generate electricity.
Water vapor is the only byproduct of FCEVs. They also present zero tailpipe emissions, immediate refueling times, and long ranges similar to gasoline-powered vehicles. They’re known as sustainable alternatives to traditional ICEs as hydrogen can be yielded from renewable sources like solar/wind power.
Despite all the usefulness, restricted hydrogen refueling infrastructure and high production expenditures of fuel cells confine the expansive adoption of FCEVs. Still, they promise green and sustainable transportation technology for the future.
What is HEV?
A Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) mixes an ICE with an electric propulsion system. Unlike PHEVs, these vehicles don’t need to be plugged in for battery recharge; instead, they employ regenerative braking and the ICE to charge the battery all the while they’re operating.
In HEVs, the electric motor assists the ICE during acceleration and low-speed driving. This allows them to enrich fuel efficiency and diminish emissions. Plus, the electric motor captures the kinetic energy to recharge the battery when the vehicle decelerates or brakes, just like a generator.
The notable thing about HEVs is that they can smoothly and automatically switch between the electric motor and ICE based on driving conditions. They’re fantastic choices for those who need to minimize their fuel consumption and emissions without the range limitations of electric-only vehicles.
The Differences between BEV, PHEV, EREV, FCEV, and HEV
All these new energy vehicles come with their distinctive features, benefits, and challenges. The table below compares these five vehicle types in terms of diverse criteria.
| Criteria | BEV | PHEV | EREV | FCEV | HEV |
| Power Source | Rechargeable Battery | ICE + Electric Motor + Battery | ICE + Electric Motor + Larger Battery | Hydrogen Fuel Cells | ICE + Electric Motor + Smaller Battery |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Moderate | High | High | Moderate |
| Range | Limited by Battery Capacity (100-300 miles) | All Electric Range (20-50 miles) + Gasoline Backup | All Electric Range (20-50 miles) + Gasoline Backup | Dependent on Hydrogen Tank (300-400 miles) | Dependent on Gasoline Tank (300-500 miles) |
| Emissions | Zero Tailpipe Emissions | Lower than ICEs | Lower than ICEs | Zero Tailpipe Emissions | Lower than ICEs |
| Charging and Refueling | Electric Charging Stations | Electric Charging Stations / Gasoline | Electric Charging Stations / Gasoline | Hydrogen Refueling Stations | Self-Recharging + Gasoline Refueling Stations |
| Infrastructure | Needs Charging Infrastructure | Less Reliant on Charging Infrastructure | Less Reliant on Charging Infrastructure | Needs Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure | Existing Gasoline Infrastructure |
| Driving Experience | Smooth, Quiet, Responsive | Smooth, Responsive | Smooth, Responsive | Similar to BEVs | Depends on Hybrid System |
1. Power Source
In the case of power sources, BEVs hinge solely on rechargeable batteries, which empower the electric motor with no tailpipe emissions. On the other hand, PHEVs and EREVs combine both ICEs and electric motors with larger battery packs. This combination empowers them to operate solely on electricity for shorter distances and change to the ICE for longer trips.
FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. They store hydrogen in onboard tanks and combine it with oxygen from the air. This enables them to empower the electric motor and emit only water vapor. Lastly, HEVs employ ICEs alongside electric motors and smaller batteries. They use regenerative braking to charge the battery as they decelerate.
2. Energy Efficiency
BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs present higher energy efficiency compared to conventional ICEs. BEVs deliver outstanding efficiency as they directly convert stored electrical energy into motion with no combustion and no tailpipe emissions.
PHEVs and EREVs also offer enhanced efficiency as they use electric power for shorter trips, hence the reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. They can also use ICEs for longer journeys.
FCEVs turn hydrogen fuel into electricity efficiently, and HEVs blend ICEs with electric motors. In general, all these new energy vehicles optimize energy and lessen environmental impact compared to traditional ICEs, with negligible differences in the case of energy efficiency.
3. Range
The driving range of BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs varies as per their individual power sources and energy storage capacities. BEVs generally cover 100-300 miles on a full charge, varying based on the battery capacity and driving conditions.
PHEVs and EREVs merge electric propulsion with ICEs to cover longer trips. PHEVs can cover 20-50 miles or more on electricity only. EREVs deliver extended electric ranges as they use ICE as a generator to charge the battery if necessary, which enables them to cover longer ranges on electricity only.
FCEVs handle ranges analogous to conventional gasoline vehicles—around 300-400 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. The range of HEVs is determined by their gasoline tank capacity, similar to traditional ICE vehicles. They can typically cover 300-500 miles or more on a full tank.
4. Emissions
BEVs are well-known for their zero tailpipe emissions. They can significantly enhance air quality and minimize greenhouse gas emissions because they lean solely on electricity without combustion. PHEVs, EREVs, and FCEVs also present lower emissions compared to conventional ICE vehicles.
PHEVs and EREVs can function in electric-only mode for shorter trips, which makes them generate low emissions during city driving. FCEVs emit water vapor only, which makes them an eco-friendly alternative with almost no tailpipe emissions.
Besides, HEVs also employ electric motors to assist ICEs, thereby maximizing fuel efficiency and lessening pollutant emissions. Consequently, it’s safe to say that all these new energy vehicles offer negligible environmental impacts compared with traditional ICE vehicles.
5. Charging and Refueling
BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs demand particular charging infrastructure to replenish their energy storage systems. You can simply charge BEVs using electric charging stations, either personal or public. Although the process can take several hours, fast charging stations are available too.
FCEVs refuel with hydrogen gas at specialized hydrogen refueling stations, just like how you recharge traditional gasoline stations. It takes only minutes to recharge them, which makes them on par with gasoline vehicles for long-distance travel.
HEVs do not need external charging like BEVs or refueling specific to the electric motor. They take advantage of regenerative braking and the ICE to charge the battery pack. You can also refuel them at standard gasoline stations like how you do so for your traditional vehicles.
6. Infrastructure Requirements
BEVs require widespread charging infrastructure. They need either the installation of home charging stations or the development of public charging networks so they can cover longer trips and provide owners with convenience.
PHEVs and EREVs are less dependent on charging infrastructure because of their dual powertrain capabilities. They can function using gasoline when electric charging is unavailable. FCEVs, on the other hand, demand a network of hydrogen refueling stations. The development of these stations is critical to help owners of these vehicles enjoy long travels.
Lastly, HEVs rely on current gasoline refueling infrastructure. This makes them appropriate for those who choose the comfort of conventional refueling options with no need for external charging.
7. Driving Experience
BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs present a smooth, peaceful, and responsive driving experience because of their electric propulsion systems. Electric motors can deliver torque instantaneously, which results in immediate acceleration and a smooth driving feeling with no specific noise or vibration like in ICEs. Plus, their regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration to sweeten the driving experience.
FCEVs are analogous to BEVs in the case of driving experience as they deliver quiet operation and smooth acceleration. They use hydrogen fuel cells to empower their electric motors, thereby furnishing rapid acceleration and a peaceful cabin environment.
The driving experience in HEVs swings on the specific hybrid system design. They blend an ICE and an electric motor to deliver a proportional mixture of power and efficiency, which results in optimized performance in diverse driving conditions. At the same time, they diminish fuel consumption in comparison with conventional vehicles.
The Driving Method of Mainstream New Energy Vehicles
The driving method of mainstream new energy vehicles essentially swings on electric propulsion systems. They employ electric motors—empowered by rechargeable batteries—to drive the wheels, instead of sheer reliance on ICEs that are fueled by gasoline or diesel.
All different types of new energy vehicles mentioned today take advantage of electric propulsion. This diminishes their reliance on fossil fuels, minimizes emissions, and enables a more sustainable transportation method.
The unique structure and operation of each of these new energy vehicles are appropriate for a unique driving need, range requirements, and charging capabilities. However, the preliminary mechanism of their operation remains analogous: benefitting from electric motors and batteries for propulsion.
Which New Energy Vehicle Best Suits My Lifestyle?
- BEVs: This new energy vehicle is best for those with short daily commutes and access to charging infrastructure. They deliver no tailpipe emissions and have minimal operating costs, which makes them a top choice for urban areas.
- PHEVs: These vehicles are wonderful for those who go on longer trips but tend to benefit from electric driving. They merge the power of gasoline and electricity to cover both short trips on electricity only and longer ones by switching to gasoline.
- EREVs: This type of energy vehicle is ideal for those who care for the environment and aren’t too worried about the range. It supports electric-only driving for shorter trips, with the option to comfortably use an ICE generator for lengthened ranges.
- FCEVs: These vehicles are best for those who desire long-range coverage and rapid refueling processes. They solely emit water vapor and present a driving experience analogous to traditional vehicles, which makes them convenient for long distances.
- HEVs: This type of new energy vehicle is great for those who value fuel efficiency and tend to avoid recurring refuels. They present enhanced fuel economy compared to conventional vehicles and are proper for those with changing driving patterns and access to charging infrastructure.
The 10 Best New Energy Vehicle Brands
The market for new energy vehicles is getting broader every day. It was initially Tesla that found a name in the industry, but then several others joined it and the battle is now more on fire than ever.
| New Energy Vehicle Brand | Founded in | Notable Models |
| Tesla | 2003 | Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y |
| BYD | 1995 | Han, Tang, Qin |
| Nio | 2014 | ET7, ES8, EC7 |
| Li Auto | 2015 | Li L9, Li L8, Li MEGA |
| Xiaopeng Motors | 2014 | G3, P7, X9 |
| Xiaomi | 2021 | SU7 |
| Zeekr | 2021 | Zeekr 001, Zeekr 009, Zeekr X |
| Chery | 1997 | Omoda E5 |
| AITO | 2022 | M5, M7, M9 |
| AION | 2017 | LX Plus, V Plus |
1. Tesla
Tesla is the most familiar brand on our list. It was founded back in 2003 and is currently an industry leader in manufacturing new energy vehicles. The company’s well-known models are:
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y
Despite the emergence of new powerful rivals in the industry, Tesla is still a big player in the field of the electric vehicle market. Beyond its success in sales, the company has revolutionized the EV industry enormously as it inspires other brands to move toward clean energy transportation.
2. BYD
BYD was established in 1995. It has recently jumped to become the leading Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) producer by sales in the world, overtaking Tesla in the chart. BYD’s intelligent Blade Batteries are known as its big advantage, which empowers some of its favored models such as the Han, Tang, and Qin.
This Chinese automaker is a significant player in the EV industry—not just for consumers, but also with electric buses and trucks. But that’s not all. The company is also a giant in the field of rechargeable batteries, solar panels, and even rail systems.
3. Nio
Nio was founded in 2014 as a premium EV manufacturer that targets the luxury market. Its top vehicles include sedans and SUVs like the ET7, ES8, and EC7. The company has a deep focus on battery technology and presents a network of battery-swapping stations to help you quickly swap your battery instead of using traditional charging stations.
The Chinese brand has also gone beyond cars and runs its distinct lifestyle brand that offers design-oriented clothing and accessories. The company’s EVs are today sold in several countries and it’s continuously expanding.
4. Li Auto
Li Auto is the next prominent player in China’s NEV market. It was launched in 2015 and focuses on family-friendly EVs. Its SUVs and MPVs—including the Li L9, L8, and MEGA—come with spacious interiors and features for the comfort of passengers.
The company uses range extenders for its vehicles. It offers a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to lengthen the driving range of the battery. Li Auto is also known for the state-of-the-art technologies of its vehicles, including large touchscreens, digital displays, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
5. XPeng
Xiaopeng Motors—often briefed to XPeng—is another potent competitor in China’s NEV market. It started its operations in 2014 and has a deep concentration on smart EVs as it employs modern technology like driver-assistance systems and next-generation in-car operating systems.
XPeng provides a set of NEVs, including SUVs like the G3 and P7, and a flagship seven-seater SUV, the X9. This allows the company to handle the needs of a multitude of customers, no matter what their tastes are.
6. Xiaomi
Xiaomi is a paramount Chinese electronics company that has recently joined the EV market in 2021. It’s a new player in the field and focuses on smart EVs. The company endeavors to blend its expertise in consumer electronics with car technology. This means that it’s no surprise to see Xiaomi’s EVs to be overflowing with smart functionalities.
The company released its first electric car in 2024, the Xiaomi MS11. It’s a sporty sedan that competitively features a starting price that’s on par with Tesla’s Model 3 in China. Such affordability can soon shake the market up.
7. Zeekr
Zeekr is a top EV brand launched in 2021 by Geely Automobile Holdings. It focuses on the high-end EV market and competes with brands such as Tesla and Nio. Zeekr presents three main models: Zeekr 001, MPV Zeekr 009, and SUV Zeekr X.
The company’s vehicles are engineered as per Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. It allows for features such as spacious interiors, long driving ranges, and developed technology integration.
8. Chery
Chery is a well-known Chinese automaker founded in 1997. It’s a giant in the traditional Chinese auto industry as it presents a wide set of gasoline-powered vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and MPVs.
The company has recently released a new EV brand called Chery New Energy. Chery also tends to release electric versions of some current models such as the Chery Omoda E5 crossover.
9. AITO
AITO was launched in 2022 as a result of the collaboration between Huawei, the tech giant, and Seres, an established Chinese automaker. It benefits from Huawei’s expertise to offer modern features like the HarmonyOS infotainment system and driver-assistance systems.
The company’s current models include the AITO M5—a mid-size luxury SUV available in both PHEV and BEV variants. The PHEV model comes with a range extender engine, and the BEV is empowered solely by electricity.
10. AION
AION—also known as GAC AION—is another substantial competitor in China’s NEV market. It was established in 2017 and is distinguished for pushing the boundaries of EVs’ performance and range.
The company’s different models—including the AION LX Plus and AION V Plus—come with remarkable driving ranges and even fast-charging qualifications. Plus, the company offers modern features such as next-generation driver-assistance systems and facial recognition for unlocking and starting the car.
Final Words
The market for new energy vehicles is expanding steadily. This allows electric propulsion systems to get increasingly developed and alter the way we think about transportation. The range of options for customers is widening constantly so they can have the chance to pick vehicles that fit their demands and at the same time, walk toward a greener planet.
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