BEVs are powered entirely by electricity and do not require any gasoline. Electricity is stored in large, on-board batteries, which are used to drive the electric motors that operate the vehicle. BEVs on the market today offer driving ranges of 60 to 200 miles on a single charge. After the electric driving range has been exhausted, the BEV must be recharged before it can be driven again.
Examples
- Nissan LEAF
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- Tesla Model S
- Ford Focus EV
Advantages
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Energy security because the vehicle does not use imported oil
- No gasoline engine means lower fueling costs (see Fueling Cost Comparison Table)
- Fewer moving parts and required fluids mean lower maintenance costs
Things To Consider Before Purchasing
- A BEV's "full charge" mileage range compared to your daily commute
- Long trips (100 miles or more) may be impossible without the installation of public charging stations
- Over-acceleration and using the vehicle's heating and air conditioning reduces the "full charge" mileage range
- Larger BEV batteries may require 240-volt charging to get a full charge overnight, requiring the installation of a charging station
