Q What is the difference between BEV, PHEV, and HEV?

BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) run purely on electricity and produce zero tailpipe emissions. They must be charged using an external power source.

PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) have both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine. They can be charged externally and run on electricity for a short distance, before switching to their traditional fuel.

HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) also have a petrol or diesel engine combined with a small battery. Unlike BEVs and PHEVs, they can’t be plugged in, and instead use regenerative braking and engine power to recharge their batteries. The electric-only range on a HEV is much lower than with a PHEV.