BEV, HEV, PHEV, and FCEV - What's the Difference?

Choosing to upgrade your Reading commute with a hybrid or electric vehicle will allow you save on fuel-ups while helping to reduce harmful emissions. If you’ve been considering a hybrid or electric vehicle, you may have already noticed that there are quite a few different types of EVs available. So, what’s the difference between BEV vs. PHEV? What about PHEV vs. Hybrid or hybrid vs. EV? Learn more about your options in this guide from Woburn Toyota, then visit us in Woburn to check our current inventory today!

BEV vs. PHEV vs. Hybrid vs. EV

There are basically four different types of electric vehicles, each offering their own benefits. What is a BEV? What’s the difference between hybrid vs. EV or PHEV vs. hybrid? Explore the various types of electric vehicles below to see which is the best fit with your lifestyle and driving needs.

PHEV vs. Hybrid

• What is HEV?: An HEV or Hybrid Electric Vehicle has a self-charging electric motor that works in tandem with your engine on Burlington roads to provide improved gas mileage. Most often HEVs offer regenerative braking which recharges the battery as you drive. Toyota offers a wide variety of HEV models including the Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, and more.
• What is PHEV?: What’s the difference between a PHEV vs. Hybrid? A PHEV is a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle that comes with a more powerful battery and motor that must be recharged by either plugging in at home or at one of the charging stations around Stoneham. Popular Toyota PHEVs include the Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime.

What is BEV? What is FCEV?

• What is BEV?: BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. These are fully electric models with a larger motor and battery than you’ll find in an HEV or PHEV. A BEV doesn’t require oil changes, so you’ll save on maintenance costs. Since a BEV runs solely on electricity, you will want to install a home charger and make use of local public charging stations. The new Toyota bZ4X can deliver an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 252 miles with front-wheel drive.
• What is FCEV?: FCEV or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles like the Toyota Mirai run on hydrogen, however FCEVs are not very common and availability is limited to certain regions of the U.S. that have hydrogen charging stations.

Compare Hybrid vs. EV Models at Woburn Toyota

The best way to find out which type of electric vehicle is right for you is to stop by our showroom in Woburn. Our friendly sales associates will be happy to explain the features and specs of all the hybrid and EV models we have in stock and set you up with a test drive. Meanwhile, don’t forget to browse our new vehicle specials and current offer and incentives to see how much you can save on your next electrified Toyota model today! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.