In the broadest sense, a vehicle powered solely by electricity. Can include any number of wheels, shape or size – so bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, carts and even 18 wheelers could be included, as long as they are only electric powered. If GM decides next decade to build a Silverado dually pickup with all-electric drive and lithium-air battery (w [..]

Also called “pure electric” vehicle. A form of electric vehicle that uses a battery and traction motor and no internal combustion. It would exclude FCVs but otherwise the abbreviation BEV and EV are essentially interchangeable and in the mind of most EVs and BEVs are often seen as synonymous.

A form of hybrid that allows all-electric drive, or merged gas-plus-electric operation. Examples would include any of Toyota’s hybrids or those by Ford. Also called a “strong hybrid.”

A form of hybrid that uses both sources together. An example would be a Chevy Malibu eAssist or Honda Civic hybrid which never allow the gas engine to fully shut off and decouple for pure electric drive. The motor and electrified portion of the system is not typically strong enough for pure EV drive, so it’s more a “helper” motor. Even if in cases [..]

This is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a larger battery and connection to the grid (or renewably sourced electricity). It stores more electric energy so as to be able to run on pure electricity for longer runs.

A type of electric vehicle utilizing a fuel cell stack which operates as a form of a battery. The vehicle chemically converts hydrogen to electrical energy used in its propulsion and operation. These vehicles may also employ a small battery and system architecture from a conventional hybrid. This is the case with Toyota’s Mirai which uses hardware [..]

A system in which a vehicle is propelled solely by the electric motor. The internal combustion engine provides energy and recharges the battery, but in series mode, the engine does not mechanically drive the wheels.

When a vehicle is propelled by both the engine and/or electric motor(s). Example: Honda Civic Hybrid. Other hybrids like the Prius may operate in parallel model or series or pure EV.

Used in most electrified vehicles. In simplest terms, it is a means to captures brake energy by using the traction motor as a generator to convert to electric energy and recharge the battery.

Also called charging point or EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Technically a misnomer as EVs and PHEVs have their chargers on board – except in the case of DC-DC charging, where it is effectively “charging.” The EVSE or charging station supplying AC current is otherwise not the “charger,” and actually serves as a switch to direct current o [..]