Types of Electric Cars - HEV, PHEV and BEV

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.  With so many new brands and models hitting the Australian EV car market in 2023 we thought it appropriate to provide a quick explanation of the different types of EV as there are three different types of electric car, each with its own unique features and characteristics.

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is a type of electric car that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor. HEVs use the electric motor for low-speed driving and the gasoline engine for higher speeds and longer trips. The advantage of an HEV is that it can operate using either the electric motor or the gasoline engine, depending on the driving conditions. This allows HEVs to have a longer driving range than pure electric vehicles (EVs).

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is another type of electric car that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor. Like an HEV, a PHEV can operate using either an electric motor or a gasoline engine, depending on the driving conditions. The difference is that a PHEV has a larger battery pack and can be plugged in to charge the battery. This allows PHEVs to drive longer distances using only electricity, making them more environmentally friendly than HEVs.

One of the most popular and affordable PHEV vehicles currently available in Australia is the 2022 MG HS Plus EV Excite 1.5L SUV FWD Hybrid which retails from $46,990. 

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)

BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is a type of electric car that is powered solely by an electric motor and a battery pack. BEVs do not have a traditional gasoline engine and must be plugged in to charge the battery. The advantage of a BEV is that it produces zero emissions and is completely reliant on electricity for power. However, BEVs have a shorter driving range than HEVs and PHEVs, and may require more frequent charging,

The car future in Australia is electric and while Carsales ranks the Tesla 3 as the best electric car in the market today it comes with a hefty price tag ranging in price from $65,500 - $93,605 for the 2022 model. 

There are, however, a growing number of cheaper EV alternatives that are gaining popularity with Australian consumers. 

Are you ready to go electric?  At Ausloans we have over 40 lenders and can find the perfect finance deal to fuel your electric car dream.