Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: NHTSA
There are more electric and hybrid-electric vehicles on our roads than ever before. Understanding how these vehicles – ranging from compact cars to pickup trucks – work and how they differ from gasoline-engine vehicles is important. We also have information on how to safely operate these vehicles, how they contribute to fuel and cost savings, and how the vehicles are more environmentally friendly than conventional gas-powered vehicles.
Understanding EVs and HEVs
From the outside, an electric or hybrid vehicle might look like a gas-powered vehicle, but what’s under the hood and how it operates are different. There are two types of electric vehicles and several types of hybrid-electric vehicles.
EVs
Battery-electric vehicles, also referred to as BEVs, are powered by electricity and plug in to charge their batteries. BEVs do not release tailpipe emissions.
Fuel cell electric vehicles, also referred to as FCEVs, are powered by hydrogen and convert the hydrogen to electricity in the fuel cell. FCEVs only emit water vapor and warm air.
HEVs
Hybrid-electric vehicles, also called HEVs, are powered by both gasoline and electricity. In many HEVs, the electric motor uses battery power to help the engine or move the vehicle independently for short distances. As the engine runs, the battery recharges. There are various levels of hybrid-electric vehicles.
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