Home > News > Business > What are the different types of Electric Vehicle Powertrain Technologies? What are the different types of Electric Vehicle Powertrain Technologies? July 8, 2020 Business There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs). BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, PHEVs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles. BEV. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by batteries. They use an electric motor to turn the wheels and produce zero emissions. Since April 2020, zero emission EVs (BEVs) are zero-rated standard road tax (VED) for both the first year and all subsequent years. Tesla Model 3, Mini Electric, Nissan Leaf. PHEV. Plug-in hybrids are capable of zero emission driving, typically between 20-30 miles, and can run on petrol or diesel for longer trips. As the name suggests, they need to be plugged-in to an electricity supply in order to maximise their zero emission capability. They have a reduced road tax (VED). Mitsubishi Outlander, Volkswagen Golf GTE, Toyota Prius Plug-in. HEV. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are capable of zero emission driving, but typically over less range than a PHEV. They use electric power generated during braking to improve fuel economy and run on petrol or diesel for longer trips. They have a lower road tax (VED). Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Lexus RX450h, Ford Mondeo Hybrid. MHEV. Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs), sometimes known as hybrid assist vehicles, have a petrol or diesel internal combustion engine equipped with an electric motor that can allow the engine to be turned off as the car is coasting or braking. The motor can also be used to provide assistance to the engine, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. MHEVs cannot be driven on electricity alone. Mercedes-Benz S 400, Range Rover Evoque, Suzuki Swift. FCEV. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are zero-emission electric vehicles, which use hydrogen fuel cells to generate power. Hydrogen stored in an on-board fuel tank is combined with oxygen in the fuel cell and the only outputs are electricity, heat and water. Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo.