Comparing the Types of Electric Vehicles

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid is one of the hybrid models available in the Lexus Lineup.

If you’ve been browsing the newest Lexus vehicles, you’ve probably noticed that several of your favorites  – and some new additions – are now available in a hybrid. There are two types of hybrid vehicles, both of which use a gas-powered engine combined with an electric battery-powered motor. An HEV, or hybrid electric vehicle, uses the internal combustion engine (I.C.E.) to support charging for an electric battery that powers the electric motor. Through regenerative braking and use of the motor, the battery is replenished as you drive. A typical hybrid car, is designed to use the electric engine during driving scenarios when a gasoline engine is least efficient, such as in idling, parking, slow driving, etc. When the engine is called upon to produce more performance, the I.C.E. engine begins to transition in. Essentially, at lower speeds, the hybrid car behaves like an electric car and at higher speeds like a gas-powered vehicle. Many Lexus Hybrid models have visualizations in the display that show this transition and allow you to track your hybrid performance. This hybridization of two fuel sources allow for smaller battery size and better efficiency in performance. It’s the best of both worlds.

Plug-In Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid is a great option for your next vehicle.

The plug-in electric hybrid, or PHEV, is similar to the hybrid but employs a difference method of battery recharging and use. In a PHEV, the electric battery is the primary power source for the vehicle. The battery initiates all motion for the vehicle, no matter the performance requirements. After the battery has been depleted, then the internal combustion engine powered by gasoline takes over. It is comparable to your phone being powered by its internal battery, then switching to a battery pack once you reach low battery, but this back up source is powered by gas.

Additionally, the gasoline-powered engine is not responsible for recharging the primary electric battery source. Regenerative braking does not have as much of an impact for the plug-in hybrid as well. It can supplement, but the vehicle relies on being connected to an external power source for a full recharge of the primary battery.

Fully Electric Vehicles

The All-New 2023 Lexus RZ is the first fully-electric vehicle in the Lexus model line-up.

Within the fully Electric Vehicle realm, there are also currently two types of EVs in production. The battery electric vehicles, or BEV, are powered by single or dual battery motors. There is no other fuel source employed by the vehicle. This means no more stopping at the gas pump, however it does mean you must recharge your battery to keep your vehicle in motion. Regenerative braking can assist in BEVs, but the majority of your energy replenishment comes from plug-in charging. You can have the convenience of charging at home with an at-home charger as well as the option of charging at many charging stations across the country. Charging differs from refueling in that there are “levels” of chargers that allow for different voltages of electric output. Typically there are three types, Level 1 Standard Charger, Level 2 240 Volt Chargers and Level 3 DC Fast Chargers, but not all batteries can accept the higher voltages of the Level 3 DC fast-chargers. The Lexus RZ, the fully electric Lexus model, is an example of a BEV.

There are also two types of EVs on the market: battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. BEVs rely solely on single or dual battery motors to power your vehicle, which means you never need to stop for fuel again. You do, however, need to keep your vehicle charged, which can be accomplished by plugging it in. BEVs give you the option of charging at home or on the go, with specialized power cables and outlets that charge faster than a standard 120V outlet. In addition, there are more fast-charging stations being built around the country as we speak, offering the option to charge while you’re on the road with DC power. The other type of EV is the fuel cell electric vehicle, which operates with a hydrogen tank, battery, and electric motor. Although they produce zero emissions, these types of vehicles are still in development with only a few released. However, development is promising because of their efficiency and eco-friendly nature.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

The Lexus LF-FC, Fuel Cell Concept Vehicle

The other type of EV is the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which operates with a hydrogen tank, battery, and electric motor. Although they produce zero emissions, these types of vehicles are still in development with only a few models released to the public. Because of their efficiency and eco-friendly nature, Fuel Cell technology is an exciting and promising expansion of Electric Vehicle possibilities. These vehicles produce water vapor and warm air as their emissions. The propulsion system is very similar to other EV’s, but the fuel system is more like that of the conventional I.C.E. vehicles. FCEVs are fueled with pure hydrogen gas stored in a tank on the vehicle. Like gas-powered vehicles, refuel can take as little as four minutes. Like the other EVs, it can employ regenerative braking to supplement and support the battery. The infrastructure with fuel cell is still in development and the production for these vehicles has been limited but growing in market release.

Whatever the source of power, Lexus vehicles are meticulously designed to connect the driver to the vehicle like nothing else. Features are placed right where you’d expect them to be and artfully arranged to help keep your focus on the road ahead. Combined with an ownership experience that’s second to none, an electrified Lexus is crafted to the highest standard of all: yours. You can find all the latest Lexus releases, including the UX Hybrid and more, available today at Lexus of Henderson! Be sure to watch out for the first Lexus battery electric vehicle to arrive soon, the exciting new RZ. Contact us for more information, and don’t forget to visit us to see our full inventory of hybrid and electric vehicles for yourself.

320 lb-ft combined