What do PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV even mean?

 

What do PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV even mean?

With technology advancing as time passes every day, innovators all over the world find new ways to find how to run a car. It can be very overwhelming to see these unfamiliar terms everywhere you go when looking for a car to purchase. That’s why we, Toyota of Orlando, wanted to help alleviate your feelings. PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV are all acronyms that refer to types of electric cars. Here’s the breakdown:

What is a PHEV? 

PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrids have to be – big shocker incoming – plugged in. That is the main difference between a typical Orlando hybrid car and an Orlando PHEV. Both PHEVs and HEVs can run off of battery power but still have an internal combustion engine and take gasoline, but PHEVs can run for longer distances and at higher speeds on electric power than a traditional hybrid car. When the electric range goes out, they revert back to using gasoline to power themselves. These alternative fuel vehicles do need to be plugged in to charge. An example of a plug-in hybrid is the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

What is an FCEV? 

FCEV stands for fuel cell electric vehicle – these run on hydrogen. It is an alternative fuel car that is a little less common that an EV (electric vehicle) because there are few hydrogen stations to fill up in the US. Right now, Toyota has one in the market, that can go for 854 miles off of one tank, the Toyota Mirai.

What is an HEV?

HEV stands for a hybrid electric vehicle. These run on electric battery power for relatively short distances and at low speeds, but they rely primarily on gasoline and internal combustion to power themselves. The difference between hybrid and electric is that you do not need to plug a hybrid car to charge it, they recharge through regenerative braking. However, you do not need to put gasoline in it. The most common example of an HEV is the Toyota Prius.

What is a BEV? 

BEV stands for battery electric vehicle – this is the classic electric car that is becoming more popular, common, and eco-friendly. They run on battery power alone – you do not have to put gasoline in them, EVER. They, also, don’t have an internal combustion engine — all they need is to be plugged in and charged up to be able to go on the road. An example of a BEV is the Toyota bz4X.

Shop for your future EV or alternative fuel car at Toyota of Orlando

Still not sure which one is right for you? We’ve got your back – Toyota of Orlando’s experts are here 7 days a week to help you choose. If you have any questions, call us at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open until 10 pm every single night and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!