---
title: What are Electric Vehicles (EV) and their Benefits
description: Electric Vehicle (EV) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. Instead of filling up with gasoline, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries. You recharge these batteries by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source,…
url: "https://energyadvicehelpline.org/support-centre/what-are-electric-vehicles-ev-and-their-benefits/"
updated: "2024-04-09"
category: Electric Vehicles
---

# What are Electric Vehicles (EV) and their Benefits

Electric Vehicle (EV) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity. Instead of filling up with gasoline, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries. You recharge these batteries by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source, much like how you charge a smartphone.

### Benefits of Electric Vehicle

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/14-1-2-1024x1024.png)

Home Charger

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/13-1-1024x1024.png)

Lower Running Cost

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/15-1-1024x1024.png)

Cleaner Environment

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/16-1-1024x1024.png)

No Congestion Charge

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/18-1024x1024.png)

Renewable Electricity Tariffs

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/17-1024x1024.png)

Government Grant

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/19-1024x1024.png)

Reduce Noise Pollution

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20-1024x1024.png)

Road Tax Reductions

![](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/21-1024x1024.png)

Smoother Driving Experience

### Types of EVs

- **Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)**: These cars run only on electricity, with no gasoline engine at all. BEVs do not have an internal combustion engine, exhaust system, or fuel tank. They are charged by plugging into an electric power source and can travel a certain distance—known as their range—on a full charge before needing to be recharged.

**Examples include**: [Tesla Model S](https://www.tesla.com/en_gb/models), [Nissan Leaf](https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/new-vehicles/leaf.html), and [Chevrolet Bolt](https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-ev).

- **Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)**: PHEVs have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. They can be plugged in to charge the battery for all-electric operation over short to medium distances. When the battery's charge is depleted, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode, using gasoline or diesel to power the internal combustion engine.

**Examples include:** Chevrolet Volt and [Toyota Prius Prime](https://www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/prius-plugin).

- **Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)**: HEVs also have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, but they cannot be plugged in to charge. Instead, the battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine. The electric motor can power the vehicle alone at low speeds and assist the engine during acceleration, improving fuel efficiency.

**Examples include:** Toyota Prius and [Honda Insight](https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/used/honda/insight?refresh=true).

### **Charging Your EV**

> [Charging your EV: Home vs Public](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/support-centre/charging-your-ev-home-vs-public/)

[“Charging your EV: Home vs Public” — Energy Advice Helpline](https://energyadvicehelpline.org/support-centre/charging-your-ev-home-vs-public/embed/#?secret=k3KbpKRv87#?secret=t0swH4qXiY)