With the rise of electric cars and the transition towards more sustainable mobility, terms such as EV, BEV, PHEV, EREV y FCEV have become part of the everyday vocabulary for many drivers. However, these acronyms can be confusing, especially for those who are entering the world of electrified vehicles for the first time. In this article, we are going to break down each of these acronyms in detail so that you can fully understand them.
If you are thinking about buying a hybrid or electric car, or simply want to better understand the new mobility options offered by the market, this guide will be of great help to you. In this article we are going to show you what these acronyms mean and how they relate to the technology applied in today's vehicles.
EV and BEV: Battery Electric Vehicles
Abbreviations EV (electric-vehicle) and BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) refer to pure electric vehicles. These cars operate exclusively using one or more electric motors that obtain their energy from a rechargeable battery. Not having a combustion engine, they do not generate polluting emissions.
The EV o BEV They must be recharged by connecting them to an electrical grid, either at home, at public charging points or at fast charging stations. Some popular models in this category include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai ioniq 5. In addition, these vehicles usually enjoy the environmental badge Zero from the DGT, which gives them access to multiple benefits in the cities.
HEV: Non-Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
The term HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) refers to conventional hybrid cars that combine a Internal combustion engine (usually gasoline) with an electric motor. These vehicles do not need to be plugged in, as their batteries are recharged by the energy recovered during the braking or with the help of the combustion engine.
The HEV stand out for their fuel consumption efficiency and are ideal for those looking for a transition between traditional combustion cars and electric ones. Among the best-known models are the Toyota Prius and Kia Sportage HEV. These vehicles usually have the label ECO DGT.
PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
The PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) are hybrids that incorporate a higher capacity battery which can be recharged by connecting it to the electrical grid. This allows them to circulate in 100% electric mode for longer journeys, usually between 40 and 60 kilometers, depending on the model.
This setting makes the PHEV combine the advantages of electric vehicles with the extended autonomy provided by your combustion engine. Some notable examples are the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Hyundai Tucson.
EREV: Extended Range Electric Vehicles
The EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) are less common on the market. These vehicles are primarily powered by a electric motor, but they incorporate a small combustion engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery when it is low. The combustion engine is not used to move the car directly.
An iconic example of this type of vehicle is the BMW i3 REX, which stands out for offering a intermediate solution between pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, increasing autonomy without depending exclusively on a plug.
MHEV: Light Hybrid Vehicles
El MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or mild hybrid uses a propulsion system that combines a small electric motor with a combustion engine. This electric motor is not sufficient to move the car on its own, but it is sufficient to assist in accelerations, feed auxiliary components and optimize fuel consumption.
The MHEV They are an excellent option for those looking for greater Energy Efficiency without making a significant investment in electrical technology. Models such as the Ford Puma MHEV and Kia Stonic belong to this category.
FCEV: Fuel Cell Vehicles
Finally, we found the FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). These vehicles use hydrogen as a fuel source to generate electricity through a chemical reaction in the fuel cell. The resulting electricity is stored in a battery, which powers the electric motor, while the only byproduct of this process is steam.
The FCEV They are one of the cleanest options currently available, although their implementation is limited due to the shortage of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Some notable models are the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo.
With this guide, you now have a clear view of what the most common acronyms mean in the universe of electric and hybrid cars. Knowing these differences will help you make more informed decisions if you are thinking of purchasing an electrified vehicle. In addition, it will allow you to better understand how this technology which is revolutionizing mobility around the world.