Explore Different Types of Electric Vehicles

More and more drivers around Houston are switching from gas to electric power in an effort to save money and protect the environment. What may be surprising to EV shoppers, though, is that there are several different types. You can choose between hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery-powered electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric models. Below, you can learn more about how each of these new EVs operates, and what you can expect from an EV!

How Many Types of Electric Vehicles Are There?

There are four main types of electric cars. Take a look at them below:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Hybrids combine both gas and electric power. When you’ve depleted the battery pack, a hybrid will switch over to a traditional combustion engine. Non-plug-in hybrids are self-charging.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: These hybrid electric cars include a powerful battery and motor that you can charge via an outlet. You can charge at home or at a public charging station.
• Battery Electric Vehicles: These types of EVs run solely on electric power, which means they have bigger battery packs than what you’d see in a hybrid. They offer whisper-quiet performance and — like plug-in hybrids — can be charged by a portable charger or at an in-home or public charging station.
• Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell): Fuel cell vehicles are less common than hybrids and EVs. They’re usually more expensive and their availability is lower, because it can be tricky to find charging stations for fuel cell vehicles.

Common Electric Vehicle Parts

Electric vehicles are easily distinguished from gas vehicles by their unique parts. Below, you can take a closer look at what makes an EV:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles:

• Engine
• Fuel tank
• Control module
• Electric motor
• Battery pack with controller & inverter

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Electric motor
• Engine
• Fuel tank
• Control module
• Battery Charger
• Inverter
• Battery

Battery Electric Vehicles

• Battery
• Control Module
• Drive train
• Electric motor
• Inverter

Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell)

• Hydrogen storage tank
• Battery with converter and controller
• Electric motor
• Fuel-cell stack

Shop Electric Vehicles at Big Star Buick GMC!

If you’re looking for an EV, we can help you find it! As a GMC dealer, we’re proud to introduce models like the GMC Hummer EV and GMC Sierra EV — both of which are upcoming but are available to reserve now! Both models will be built on the Ultimate Platform with high-quality materials. Stay tuned for the release of these two EVs, and be sure to contact us with any questions.