Electric Vehicle Basics: EV, BEV, HEV, PHEV and Chargers
Looking back on the early part of this year, February 13th, to be exact, something extraordinary was brewing. On this day, you may have found yourself in front of a large screen tv, nacho cheese sauce on your fingers, preparing to watch the NFL’s annual showcase, the Superbowl.
As usual, this year’s game was a massive global event which drew an estimated 112.3 million viewers, in over 130 countries and in 30 languages. Some watched for the gridiron action while others were anticipating this year’s line-up of creative and catchy commercials.
Ad spots on this year’s game telecast cost advertisers $6.5 for a 30-second spot. Companies spared no expense to deliver their marketing messages and introduce new products. If you were one of those people who enjoyed the Superbowl’s commercials, you may have noticed something different about this year’s auto ads…a lot of electric vehicle ads.
This was, arguably, the official arrival of the electric vehicle on a scale never before seen in the automotive industry. There were 8 different commercials introducing new electric vehicles. Gorgeous, attractive EVs. Tough, sturdy EV pick-up trucks. Luxury EV SUVs with sleek digital consoles. You now had choices. But were you in the market for an EV back then?
Fast-forward to four months since that day and things around the globe have changed dramatically. By mid-June, the price of gas in the United States had climbed to an average of over $5 a gallon. The idea of purchasing an EV seems a bit more appealing. Where do you start? No worries! If you are starting from the ground level, CLR Fleet Logistics will help you understand the basics. We got you!
What are EVs, BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs?
Let’s start from the top. Today, there are several types of electric vehicles (EVs), for those in the market looking to buy.
An EV is a commonly used acronym referring to an all-electric battery powered vehicle, or a BEV (battery electric vehicle). These vehicles do not have an internal combustion engine (ICE) and can be charged at home by plugging a charging unit into a wall outlet on one end and into the BEV on the other end. While traveling, BEVs can also be charged at public charging stations, much like taking your vehicle to a gas station to fuel up. We will talk more about EV chargers in a moment.
An HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle powered by both battery and an internal combustion engine. The key difference between an HEV battery and a BEV battery is that, on an HEV, power is created through regenerative braking and not a plug-in charger. As a driver applies the brakes, the vehicle produces kinetic energy, which is stored in the vehicle’s battery and is used during acceleration. This reduces the amount of fuel used to operate the ICE and gives HEVs a higher mile-per-gallon (MPG) rating (40-60 mpg).
A PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, has both an internal combustion engine and a battery-powered electric motor. The plug-in battery helps reduce the amount of fuel used to operate the ICE by over 55%. Also, unlike an HEV which can power a vehicle alone for only several miles, the battery on a PHEV can operate alone, while moving the vehicle up to 50 miles.
There are two types of PHEV vehicles:
Blended/Parallel PHEVs use both ICE and electric motors to move the vehicle
Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV), also known as series plug-in hybrids, use an electric motor to move the vehicle while the ICE generates electricity. When the battery is exhausted, the vehicle is powered with the electricity stored by the engine.
EV Chargers and How They Differ
If you plan on making the switch from a gas powered vehicle to an electric vehicle, you will need to know a few things about EV chargers, both home-based and public charging stations.
First, EV chargers are categorized by Levels (1, 2, 3). Variations in Levels signify the amount of power capable of running through that charger to recharge an EV. The higher the Level, the more power that can be pushed and the shorter the time your vehicle takes to recharge. EV chargers measure electricity by Kilowatt-hour (kWh). Knowing that each kWh can give your EV about 4 miles of range, you will understand how an increase in power “Levels” can speed up the time it takes for your EV to recharge.
Level 1 EV Charger
Level 1 chargers are the entry-level EV charger. They are very slow. Level 1 chargers run off of your standard 110/120v wall outlet. Their output level measures anywhere from 1.2 kWh to 2.5 kWh. At this rate, your EV will recharge at approximately 3 to 5 mile range per hour. Charging your vehicle overnight for 12 hours will get you roughly 36 to 50 miles of range, depending on your vehicle. A full recharge can take you up to, and possibly over, 24 hours. Charger plugs can vary, such as the proprietary Tesla connector, but connector adapters are widely available.
Many EVs come with a Level 1 charger as part of your purchase package. You can carry a Level 1 charger in your trunk for emergency use, as you can plug in pretty much anywhere you have a 110/120v outlet. If you’re not going to use your EV for extended work commutes or long road trips, a Level 1 charger is sufficient and very affordable. It is very rare to see a Level 1 charger for public use. You can typically find Level 1 chargers cost between $150 and $600. Depending on the size of your vehicle’s battery, a full charge could cost between $4.00 to $10.00.
Level 2 EV Charger
Level 2 chargers are the most commonly used public EV chargers around the globe. In the United States, over 80% of public chargers were Level 2 by 2021. They are powered through a 220/240v connection and can deliver between 16 and 30 range miles per hour of recharging. These ranges vary by how much power your EV battery can take and at what rate. A full recharge can take anywhere from 7 to 8 hours. Level 2 recharges are quicker than Level 1.
Using a Level 2 charger residentially does require a 220/240 power source. If you do not have a 220/240 connection, prepare to pay for an upgrade. Level 2 chargers can cost from $400 for a portable charger, commonly used in your garage, to over $3000 for a charging post/kiosk style charger. Depending on the size of your vehicle’s battery, a full charge could cost between $7.00 and $17.00.
Level 3 EV or Direct Current Fast Chargers
Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC), more commonly known as Level 3 chargers today, are the quickest and most powerful EV chargers available to the public at scale. Delivering an incredible 350kW max output, a Level 3 charger can recharge 200 to 500 range miles in an hour, although your recharge range/time will vary depending on your EVs power acceptance rate.
Level 3 chargers are used in commercial applications, due to their high cost and the amount of power they draw. You will find these chargers commonly near expressways, serving travelers who are taking extended road trips. A full recharge on a Level 3 charger can cost you between $10 and $40, depending on how large your EV battery is and at what rate your EV can accept the charge.
