Electric Vehicles: How They Work + Their Benefits [Infographic] – Greener Ideal

If you’ve gotten sticker shock after filling up your car lately, you’re not alone. 
Paying for gas is one of the inevitable and frustrating aspects of driving a car. But you’ll be happy to learn that gasoline-powered cars are not the only option. 
Electric vehicles can rescue you from gas prices all while helping to improve the environment.
For more info on how electric cars work and their many benefits, keep reading.
 
There are four main types of electric cars: battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and hydrogen electric vehicles (fuel cell). 
We dig into what each of these types mean below.
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is a fully electric car powered exclusively by electricity. They have an electric car motor that draws current from the electric battery without the use of a conventional internal combustion engine. 
BEVs also have fewer components than a plug-in hybrid, so they tend to boast lower maintenance costs because they don’t require fluid changes or tuneups.
 
A PHEV combines an electric car motor and battery with a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). 
PHEVs offer the ability to switch the ICE off and run entirely on electric mode. PHEV owners can choose to top off their car with fuel or electricity. 
A PHEV can operate on gasoline alone if the electric battery isn’t charged, or they can use the battery charge if they run out of fuel. This makes them a great option if you plan on using an EV for longer distances or road trips. 
 
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) uses a combination of fuel and electricity to run. This is great for people who aren’t ready to fully commit to electric cars, but want to reap some of their benefits. 
HEV owners often use the electric features for stopping and accelerating and prefer to use the internal combustion engine when cruising down the freeway. 
When conditions are suitable, the electric motor will automatically activate and recharge through regenerative braking. 
 
Hydrogen electric vehicles (fuel cell) are similar to battery electric vehicles (BEV) in the sense that they only use electricity for power. 
The fuel cell electric vehicles create their own energy through a chemical reaction with the use of hydrogen. These cars can be filled with hydrogen and do not require a standard charging system for electricity.
 
While electric vehicles boast a long list of benefits, both for the environment and your wallet, they’re not for everyone. Read up on the pros and cons of EVs below. 
Electric vehicles are an exciting development that you’ll likely see more of in the coming years. 
For even more details on electric vehicles, including how they work and the biggest trends in the industry, our friends at Lemonade have created this helpful infographic. 

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