Electric Vehicle Model Reviews & Specifications New
Comparative analysis of EV platforms, performance, and design considerations.
What is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and how does it work?
A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is an all-electric vehicle powered entirely by a battery that is charged by plugging into an external power source. BEVs produce zero direct tailpipe emissions and use no liquid fuels, making them fundamentally different from conventional gasoline-powered cars.
What is the difference between BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs?
BEVs run entirely on electricity, PHEVs combine a plug-in battery with a liquid fuel engine, and HEVs use electricity alongside liquid fuel but cannot be plugged in externally. All three improve vehicle efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicles.
What does the term 'plug-in electric vehicle' (PEV) refer to?
The term plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) specifically refers to both BEVs and PHEVs — vehicles that can be charged by plugging into an external electricity source. HEVs are not considered PEVs because they cannot be plugged in to charge their batteries externally.
Are electric vehicles actually worse for the climate than gasoline cars because of power plant emissions?
This is a common myth. Even when accounting for the emissions from electricity generation at power plants, EVs produce significantly lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than comparable gasoline vehicles. As the electricity grid gets cleaner, EVs become even more beneficial for the climate.
Does the manufacturing of EV batteries make electric vehicles worse for the climate than gasoline cars?
Battery manufacturing does require energy and resources, but this is another widely cited myth. Studies show that over the full lifecycle of the vehicle, EVs still produce considerably fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline cars, even factoring in battery production.
Are electric vehicle batteries unreliable and in need of replacement every few years?
The idea that EV batteries need frequent replacement is a myth. Modern EV batteries are engineered for long-term durability, and most manufacturers provide substantial warranties. Data shows that EV battery degradation over typical ownership periods is minimal for most drivers.
Will the widespread adoption of electric vehicles collapse the U.S. power grid?
Concerns about EVs overwhelming the power grid are considered a myth. Grid operators and energy experts have found that with smart charging strategies and grid modernization, the electric grid can accommodate growing EV adoption without collapse or widespread reliability issues.
Is it true that there is nowhere to charge an electric vehicle?
The claim that there is nowhere to charge an EV is a myth. The U.S. charging network has expanded rapidly, with public charging stations available across the country. Most EV owners also charge conveniently at home overnight, making range anxiety less of a practical concern.
Do electric vehicles have enough range to handle everyday travel demands?
Insufficient range is one of the most persistent EV myths. Most modern EVs offer ranges well above average daily driving distances in the U.S. For the vast majority of commuters and daily drivers, current EV range is more than adequate for routine travel needs.
Are electric vehicles as safe as comparable gasoline-powered vehicles?
Safety concerns about EVs compared to gasoline vehicles are widely considered a myth. EVs must meet the same federal safety standards as conventional vehicles, and many EV models have received top safety ratings. The absence of a combustion engine can even offer structural safety advantages.
What are the common colloquial terms used to describe electric vehicles?
Electric vehicles are referred to by several informal terms in everyday conversation. Despite technical distinctions between vehicle types, many people use terms like 'electric cars,' 'electric-drive vehicles,' or simply 'EVs' interchangeably — even for vehicles that still use some liquid fuel.
Where can consumers find official fuel economy data for electric vehicles in the United States?
The U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA jointly maintain FuelEconomy.gov, the official government source for vehicle fuel economy data. Consumers can use the site's side-by-side comparison tools to evaluate and compare the efficiency of electric vehicle models.
What main types of electric vehicles are available to consumers today?
Consumers today can choose from three primary categories of electric vehicles: all-electric BEVs, plug-in hybrid PHEVs, and hybrid HEVs. Each type uses electricity to improve efficiency, but they differ significantly in how they are powered and whether they can be plugged in to charge.
What resources are available to help consumers and fleets find EV-related laws and financial incentives?
The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides a comprehensive, searchable database of laws and incentives related to electric vehicles at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as utility incentives — helping consumers and fleet operators identify potential cost savings.
Where can EV owners find information on electric vehicle maintenance and safety?
The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center provides dedicated sections on EV maintenance and safety, covering topics for individual consumers, fleet operators, and school bus programs — making it a comprehensive resource for all categories of EV ownership.
What information does the Alternative Fuels Data Center provide specifically about electric vehicles?
The AFDC's electric vehicles section covers a wide range of topics including EV basics, benefits and considerations, charging station locations, vehicle availability, emissions data, battery information, maintenance, and safety — serving as a one-stop government resource for EV information.
What tools exist to help EV drivers locate public charging stations and plan routes?
The AFDC offers a Station Locator tool and route mapping feature that helps EV drivers find public charging stations and plan trips using charging corridors. It also provides information on various charging network providers across the country.
How does the EPA help consumers separate EV facts from fiction?
The EPA maintains a dedicated 'Electric Vehicle Myths' page on its Green Vehicle Guide that systematically addresses and debunks the most common misconceptions about EVs — covering topics from climate impact and battery reliability to grid stability, charging availability, range, and safety.
What tool does FuelEconomy.gov offer for comparing electric vehicle efficiency?
FuelEconomy.gov, operated by the U.S. DOE and EPA, features a side-by-side vehicle comparison tool that allows consumers to evaluate the energy efficiency and fuel economy of different vehicle models, including electric vehicles, helping shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.
What alternative fuel and vehicle types does FuelEconomy.gov include in its database?
FuelEconomy.gov covers a broad range of fuel types beyond gasoline, including electricity for EVs, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), E85 ethanol, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, giving consumers a comprehensive view of fuel-efficient options.