Different Types of Electric Vehicles

Interested in leaving behind gasoline power and giving your Chicago commute a serious upgrade? Volkswagen is the place to be! At The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside, we offer hybrid and electric vehicles in all shapes and sizes, designed to cater to a wide range of budgets and driving needs. But how many types of electric vehicles are there? You might be surprised to learn that there are actually four unique classes of EVs, and they all work a little differently. The team at The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside has put together a guide outlining everything you need to know below, so you can stay informed as you shop for your next ride! When you’re ready, head to our inventory to see what we currently have available. 

How Many Types of Electric Vehicles Are There?

As we discussed above, you can generally divide electric vehicles into four distinct categories: hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery EVs, and fuel cell vehicles. Each category brings a different set of advantages to the LaGrange roads, so let’s briefly go over how each powertrain works:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles: These are also called traditional hybrids, parallel hybrids, or series hybrids (depending on how the powertrain works). Hybrid vehicles are simultaneously powered by an internal combustion engine and a self-charging electric motor, dramatically increasing your fuel efficiency.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Plug-in hybrids, or PHEVs, are similar to traditional hybrids in that they also draw power from gasoline and electricity simultaneously. However, PHEVs have much more powerful electric motors and batteries, meaning you can travel short distances without ever using a drop of gasoline! However, as the name suggests, you have to regularly plug in your vehicle to recharge it.
• Battery Electric Vehicles: These are also called full EVs or just EVs. Battery electric vehicles are powered entirely by one or more electric motors, leading to significant performance improvements, near-instantaneous acceleration, and reduced maintenance. You’ll also enjoy environmental benefits due to the lack of carbon emissions, and financial advantages from state and federal tax incentives!
• Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell): This is a relatively uncommon type of vehicle but still falls under the EV category. They convert ultra-efficient hydrogen gas into electric power and only emit water vapor. However, they tend to be expensive and difficult to charge.

Electric Vehicle Components

Although electric vehicles are similar in the sense that they all make use of some kind of electric power, their individual components tend to be quite different. Here’s an overview of what you can find under the hood of each type of vehicle:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles:

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

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

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

Battery Electric Vehicles

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

Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell)

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

Explore the Different Types of Electric Vehicles at The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside

Interested in seeing how a hybrid or electric vehicle handles on the Naperville roads for yourself? Contact our office to see what we have available, then head to our dealership in Countryside to set up a test drive! We’ll take care of everything and get you behind the wheel in no time. You can also check out our model research hub for more information on the various vehicles in our current lineup.