The electrified vehicle market has expanded in recent years, and if you’re looking to make the EV switch, you might not be fully aware of the options available to you. Car shoppers have three electrified powertrain options to choose from: BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs. Keep reading to find out how they’re different and the benefits each option offers.
Battery Electric Vehicles, or BEVs, have fully left the gas pump in the rearview mirror. Instead of an engine, these vehicles are propelled by one or more electric motors that are “fueled” by a battery pack(s). If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, opting for a BEV will make the greatest environmental impact since it produces zero tailpipe emissions. Most modern EVs have an electric range of 250 miles or more, and they can easily be recharged using a Level 2 home charger overnight or at one of the growing number of DC fast charging stations. Volvo offers a full lineup of BEVs that include the stylish XC40 Recharge and the compact SUV EX30.
Relying completely on electric power might seem like a huge leap. If you’re on the fence about choosing an electric vehicle, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can provide a convenient middle-of-the-road alternative. While PHEVs like the XC90 Recharge still have a gas-powered engine, they’re complemented by an electric motor that can be charged the same way as a BEV. Most models have three driving modes in addition to their usual traction control settings: electric-only, gas-only, or a hybrid mode that uses both. PHEVs have smaller batteries than BEVs but can still provide up to 40+ miles of electric-only driving, which is enough for many people to complete their daily commute without using a drop of gas.
While PHEVs and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) both have a gas-powered engine and a battery-powered motor, they have a few major differences. HEVs can’t be charged at charging stations and are completely reliant on regenerative braking to refresh their batteries. They also don’t offer an electric-only driving mode. Despite that, their increased fuel efficiency translates to less money spent at the gas pump and an overall decrease in tailpipe emissions. Models like the Volvo XC40 can also increase the power and performance of traditional vehicles, boosting horsepower and providing instant torque that driving enthusiasts can appreciate.
If you’re looking for an electrified vehicle in the Fredericksburg, VA, area, the Volvo Cars Fredericksburg dealership on Noble Way offers a full inventory of new and pre-owned electric and hybrid vehicles. Speak with our team about your driving habits and preferences, and we’ll help you determine which electrified vehicle type and model is best for you
