Technology

 

What’s a PHEV vs a BEV?

• PHEV stands for a "Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle" and BEV stands for "Battery Electric Vehicle." 

• Both types of cars have a large battery that can be charged by plugging the car in, so both can be powered by electricity. 

• People usually charge their cars at home overnight so they always leave with a full battery.

• A PHEV can drive all-electric for a certain range (usually 15-50 miles) and then continue in a hybrid mode using the gas engine to power the vehicle. The switch to the hybrid mode is automatic and seamless, so the driver might not even notice it other than the display showing the change. If a person drives less daily than the PHEVs electric range is, they will not use gasoline for their driving. If they have access to charging at their workplace, they can double their daily electric range by charging at work. 

• A BEV is all-electric and typically has a longer electric range (150-370 miles) 

• Both of these types of cars are considered EVs.

• "What's Better: A Fully Electric Car Or A Plug-In Hybrid EV?" (Inside EVs) 

How does EV tech differ from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) tech

• The main parts of the EV drive train are the battery and the electric motor. An electric motor has just one moving part, the rotor, so it is mechanically very simple and the efficiency rate is between 80-95%.

• The ICE drive train has a combustion engine and a transmission. Both of those are mechanically very complicated and typical internal combustion engine efficiencies are between 15-25%. "How Do All-Electric Cars Work?" (U.S. Department of Energy) 

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Can I tow with it?

Some EVs provide towing capacity. Here are some examples: 

• Audi etron: 4,000 lb

• Audi Q5 e: 4,400 lb

• Tesla Model X: 5,000 lb

• Volvo XC90 PHEV: 5,000 lb

• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 1,500 lb

Full list of towing capacities: EV Info List. 

 

Where can I get my EV serviced/fixed?

Just like with traditional vehicles, all dealers that sell them also service them. Tesla has its own service network and also some independent shops have started to work on EVs.

 

Do EVs have a good acceleration?

• In general, EVs have better acceleration than traditional internal combustion vehicles because electric motors provide a lot of power and full torque already at low rpm. Zero to 60 mph acceleration times of the EV models sold in the U.S. vary between 2.4 and 11 seconds, the average 0-60 mph time being 6.8 seconds. A full list of EV acceleration times: EV Info List. 

• Here is a good example of what this looks like: "Tesla Model 3 P vs Porsche 911" (YouTube)

 

Do EVs have a high enough top speed?

• The top speeds of the EV models sold in the U.S. vary between 81 to 167 mph, the average top speed being 122 mph. 

• A full list of top speeds: EV Info List. 

Can I get any EVs in All-Wheel Drive?

Presently (March 2020) 56% of EVs that are sold in the U.S. are available in all-wheel drive (www.EVInfoList.com). This is because it is easier to design an EV with AWD than an internal combustion engine drivetrain with an all-wheel drive. In an electric vehicle, you just add a second motor to the other axle and you have an all-wheel drive setup. Electric all-wheel drive systems provide better traction and driving experience because the power transfer between axles can be instant and precise. This digital control enables the system to take advantage of all traction available and help the driver have more predictable vehicle behavior in quickly changing road surface conditions. Furthermore, since there is no mechanical connection between axles, you don’t have energy loss from the extra drivetrain when there is no need for it. Combined with electric stability control, the system provides a superior driving experience. System behavior can also be easily tuned to match driver preferences.  "2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Snow drifting in the Blue Oval's controversial AWD EV - 4K" (YouTube)