03.2 What is an electric vehicle?
There are two types of
electric vehicle - BEV & PHEV - considered in this project
Our research included BEV (battery electric vehicle) & PHEV (plug in hybrid electric vehicle). Both vehicles use lithium-ion batteries in a high voltage pack & require charging via connection to an external power supply.
We have not included hybrid EVs (HEV), such as Camry, Prius or Lexus hybrids, however some of these vehicles may use a lithium-ion battery.
The term 'electric vehicle' is used to describe both BEV & PHEV throughout this website.
BEV:
Battery electric vehicle
A vehicle powered completely by an electric drive system, including electric motor & batteries. A BEV drive system includes an electric motor, traction battery, 12V battery, DC:DC converter, charge port & orange high voltage (HV) cabling.
Plugs in to a household power point, or an AC or DC charging unit to charge up.
Eg: Tesla Model 3 (BEV)
PHEV:
Plug-in hybrid battery electric vehicle
A vehicle using an internal combustion engine & an electric drive system. This includes an electric motor, internal combustion engine, traction battery, fuel tank, 12V battery, DC:DC converter, charge port & orange high voltage (HV) cabling.
Fill with petrol or plug in to charge up using a household power point, or an AC or DC charging unit.