In 2023, the electric vehicle (EV) market in the United States reached new heights by surpassing 1 million sales in one year. As the market develops, consumers are faced with more and more options when choosing an electric car. To make the best decision for your needs, wants, and climate goals, it’s essential to understand the various EV types available.

If you're one of the growing number of Americans planning to embrace sustainable driving, you might find the jargon-filled world of EVs to be a bit confusing. From plug-in hybrids to BEVs to FCEVs, SunPower’s guide to electric vehicles can help give you the confidence to choose the right car for your needs.

Common Types of EVs: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

When you think of typical electric cars, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are probably the first thing that springs to mind. Models such as the Tesla Model 3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Chevy Bolt EV all fit into this category.

BEVs feature three core components working in tandem: a rechargeable battery pack, an electric motor, and a charger. The battery stores electricity and the charger replenishes it. The engine converts the electricity stored by the battery into mechanical energy to power the car.

This simple yet effective combination gives BEVs several distinct advantages over cars powered by gasoline engines.

Sustainability: As BEVs rely entirely on electricity, they contain no harmful pollutants and produce no tailpipe emissions. This means they have a significantly lower environmental impact than internal combustion engine vehicles.

Lower operating costs: BEVs typically cost less to operate than gasoline-powered vehicles, relying on cheaper electrical energy instead of gas.

Renewable energy options: Drivers who charge their BEVs with renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind power can further lower their costs while increasing their contribution to a greener future.

Perks aside, BEVs do have some drawbacks. For one, many BEVs still have a limited driving range compared to gas-powered vehicles, which might make them an impractical choice for those who regularly travel long distances. That said, BEV technology is constantly improving, and many cars now come equipped with a larger battery that can comfortably manage 150-300 miles on a single charge.

Some drivers may dislike the lengthy battery charging times associated with BEVs, but with convenient home charging stations available for purchase and the rising number of publicly available level-3 fast charging stations, this is becoming less of a concern.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

Unlike BEVs, which rely entirely on electricity, a Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle contains both an electric motor and a gas or diesel engine.

This means that PHEVs can use both electricity and gas to generate power. The car's control system automatically switches between the power sources depending on battery charge and driving speed. Cars such as the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota Prius Prime, and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid fall into this category.

Many people view PHEVs as a stepping stone to green energy. While they aren't wholly sustainable, they do offer a number of key benefits over BEVs and fully gas-powered cars.

Reduced emissions: PHEVs can offer a substantial reduction in emissions over gasoline cars, especially during shorter commutes and inner-city driving.

Additional power for long-range traveling: Drivers can typically travel longer distances with a PHEV compared to a BEV since the vehicle will automatically switch to the gas tank once the electric battery power is depleted.

Flexible fueling: PHEV drivers can refuel both at gas stations and EV charging points, giving them greater flexibility when deciding when and how to power their travel.

Of course, it’s important to note that plug-in electric vehicles are still at least partially reliant on fossil fuels. And, as hybrid cars typically have a much smaller battery life than BEVs, drivers may need to resort to unsustainable fuel sources more often, and especially when driving long distances.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

An FCEV is an electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell, sometimes in combination with a small battery or supercapacitor, to power its onboard electric motor. Fuel cells in vehicles generate electricity using oxygen from the air and compressed hydrogen.

Hydrogen can be produced from diverse domestic resources with the potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Once produced, hydrogen generates electrical power in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor and warm air. It holds promise for growth in both the stationary and transportation energy sectors.

FCEVs are the newest type of electric car and the least prevalent. Two popular models available in America are the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, with estimated ranges of 402 and 370 miles, respectively.

Additionally, hydrogen fueling infrastructure development is still in its infancy. As of 2023, there are just 59 open retail hydrogen stations in the United States, with another 50 stations in various stages of planning or construction. Most of the existing and planned stations are in California, with one in Hawaii and 5 planned for the northeastern states.

Research and commercial efforts are under way to expand the limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure and increase the production of FCEVs.

Which type of EV is right for you?

The best choice of EV for you will largely depend on your driving habits and sustainability goals.

If you're focused on affordability, would like to have a car with zero emissions, and primarily need your car for shorter commutes, a BEV may be the right option for you.

Alternatively, if you need the flexibility to make longer journeys and are open to using both electricity and gasoline, a PHEV might suit you best.

And finally, if you're an early adopter and don't mind paying a premium price for sustainability, an FCEV could be a great choice.

PV2EV - Powering Your EV with Solar Energy

Electric cars give solar owners the unique ability to produce their own fuel (via sunlight) and drive around without emitting any greenhouse gases.

PV2EV is the buzzword among the electric car community referring to the scenario where solar panels (photovoltaics or “PV”) provide the electricity to recharge an EV.

To maximize environmental benefits, use clean energy directly from the sun with a dedicated solar energy charging station to power your EV.

Ready to learn more about how you can power your EV with clean, solar energy?

SunPower is changing the way our world is powered by making solar and storage more accessible to everyone. With nearly 40 years of dedicated solar experience, we're the top-rated U.S. solar company with over 15,000 five-star reviews.^*Based on public solar providers in the U.S. Includes average of BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and Energy Sage review scores as of 7/1/23. Based on reviews from BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and EnergySage review scores as of 10/22/23. If you're considering installing solar panels, energy storage, or EV charging at your home, make sure you talk to SunPower.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with SunPower by calling 1-800-SUNPOWER. Or click the Get Started button and we'll get in touch with you! Our team of Solar Advisors is here to help make your transition to a sustainable lifestyle.