Going green has never been easier, and Hyundai’s growing lineup of electrified vehicles is one reason why. However, most car buyers aren't aware of the electric vehicle options available to them. If you’re hunting for your next vehicle and you’re considering making the EV switch, there are three main types you should be aware of: BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs. Let’s review the perks of each one to help you decide which fits into your lifestyle.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), like the KONA Electric or the IONIQ series, are the type of electric vehicle that most people think of when they hear the word EV. That’s because these vehicles don’t need a single ounce of gas to operate. Instead of an engine, BEV powertrains consist of one or more electric motors and a battery pack(s). Most BEVs have an electric driving range of 250 miles or more, and thanks to a growing network of charging stations, topping off the battery is simple and easy. If you own your home, you can recharge your vehicle overnight with a Level 1 or Level 2 home charger. For those who don’t have that option, DC fast chargers can usually zip from 10 to 80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes. BEVs don’t produce any tailpipe emissions, so for environmental friendliness and “fuel”-efficiency, they’re your best option.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer the most flexibility, allowing drivers to use electric power when they want and gasoline when they need to. Vehicles like the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid have a powertrain that includes a gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack that can be charged the same way as a BEV’s. PHEVs often have enough battery capacity to provide 30-plus miles of electric-only driving ranges, enough to complete your daily commute or weekend errands. When the battery power is tapped out, PHEVs automatically switch to gas-only power. Most PHEVs also have a hybrid driving mode that combines the power of the electric motor with the gas engine for a boost in horsepower and torque.
If you live in an area that doesn’t have convenient access to charging stations but are interested in boosting your fuel efficiency while lowering your carbon footprint, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) like the Elantra is a great option. If you travel often, an HEV model might be a better option, even if you live in an area like Tuscaloosa, which has quite a few charging stations. The difference between HEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is that they aren’t plugged in to recharge, and they’re refreshed using regenerative braking only. They also don’t have an electric-only driving mode, but they still have a smaller carbon footprint than gas-only vehicles.
If you’re looking for an electrified vehicle that fits your lifestyle, visit Tuscaloosa Hyundai. Our team of representatives will help you find a model in our inventory with the powertrain you’re looking for.
