Understanding the different types of electric cars
With so many different types of electric cars on the market, making the switch to an electric vehicle can be daunting. At RACQ, we're taking the guess work out of finding a vehicle that is great for you and the planet. Find out more about the advantage and disadvantages of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Battery electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid car?
Battery electric vehicles (BEV)
Battery electric vehicles don’t need any petrol to run. Instead, their motors are powered by a large battery that you can charge at home or a public charging station. BEVs have the longest electric-only range out of all the electric vehicles, they produce no emissions and they require significantly less maintenance than cars that have petrol-powered engines.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
Plug-in hybrid vehicles use both petrol and electricity to run. PHEVs have two motors – a primary battery-powered motor and a secondary petrol-powered motor. While modern PHEVs typically have a shorter battery-only range than BEVs, you can fast-charge their batteries using a standard household plug. PHEVs have lower emissions than comparable petrol-powered and hybrid cars.
Hybrid cars
Like PHEVs, hybrid cars run on both petrol and electricity. The main differences between a hybrid car and an PHEV are that hybrids don’t need to be recharged (this happens automatically using regenerative braking) and the primary motor in a hybrid car is petrol-powered. The secondary electric motor is used to assist the petrol motor when needed, which saves petrol. This means that, on its own, the electric motor can only take hybrid cars short distances at low speeds.
Your electric car questions answered
Our electric car products and services
No matter what type of electric car you buy, we are here to make the switch to an electric vehicle seamless. That’s why we’ve evolved our products and services so that you can easily purchase and protect a more sustainable car.
Things to note
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Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
~~ Terms and conditions apply to all offers. View the individual offer for full details. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
^The Green Car Loan is available for new lending only to purchase a plug-in electric car up to 12 months old.
*Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. Visit racq.com/roadside for details.
Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See racq.com.au/car/roadside-assistance/roadside-terms-and-conditions for details.