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What types of electric cars are there?
I’m thinking about buying an electric car in the next few years, but I’m really confused by all the different types. What are my options when it comes to electric cars?
Lisa Steuer McArdle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That’s great that you are thinking about
going electric
! Most people assume there’s just one kind—a car that just runs on electricity. But there are actually there are four types of electric vehicles: - Electric vehicles powered only by battery
- Hybrid electric vehicles
- Plug-in electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are powered only by battery, as opposed to gasoline.
Hybrid electric vehicles have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. For lower speeds, electric power is used, while gas power is used when more power is needed. Hybrids can recapture energy through regenerative braking, and never need to be plugged in.
Plug-in electric vehicles are also powered by both a combustion engine and an electric motor. With a larger battery, plug-in electric vehicles can drive on electric power longer than a regular hybrid can. Plug-in electric vehicles can also utilize gas power if the electric power runs out, and you can recharge the battery yourself, which is another way they’re different from straight hybrids.
Finally, there are hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, which aren’t widely circulated yet. These vehicles are powered by hydrogen, which is converted to electricity.
When you do buy an electric vehicle, you’ll need affordable car insurance to go along with it.
Jerry
can help! The app sources quotes from more than 50 insurance companies for you in under a minute, without any long forms to fill out. We hope this basic rundown of electric vehicles helps you in your research!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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