Are you looking into switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle? If you’ve never owned one, all the new information can feel overwhelming. But owning a hybrid or EV is easier than you think! There are four different types of electric vehicles divided into two categories: hybrid or fully electric. Knowing the differences is helpful when you’re trying to find your next vehicle and make the best decision so you can know exactly what to expect.

Hybrid vehicles are growing in popularity due to their convenience and efficiency. A standard hybrid electric vehicle has both an engine and electric motor that allows the driver to use both when driving. The combustion engine powers both at the same time, allowing the engine and electric motor to work simultaneously. The battery can also receive a charge through regenerative braking, so every time the driver hits the brake, a small amount of power is restored to the battery. That adds up over time to keep the battery up as you drive.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have most of the same components of an HEV, but instead of charging by combustion, the battery is charged via a cable. Like a standard EV, PHEVs must be plugged in to charge the battery either at home or at a charging station. Most have at least two drive modes, hybrid and all-electric, to give the driver options for which fuel source they want to use.

Modern electric vehicles have been around about as long as hybrids, but can you believe that the first EV was produced in the 1800s? We’ve come a long way since then, with two types of modern electric vehicles on the market. The BEV, or battery electric vehicle, is the most commonly-available EV on the road today. Like the name implies, batteries are the main power source. One or more batteries are charged by plugging in the vehicle, which delivers that power to electric motors.

The other type of electric vehicle is still in development, but fuel cell electric vehicles are expected to make a splash once they’re perfected. Instead of a battery, FCEVs use a hydrogen tank to charge the batteries. The fuel cells then make the conversion from chemical to electric energy, which in turn power the vehicle. There are currently very few FCEVs available, but that may be changing soon as zero-emission vehicles take over.

Subaru is a leader in quality and innovation, so you can expect to find hybrids and EVs soon at Twin Falls Subaru! Watch out for the Crosstrek Hybrid to arrive soon in our inventory, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the Solterra, Subaru’s first all-electric AWD vehicle, to be released later this year! View our current inventory online or contact us today for more information.