Electric cars are among the most highly awaited new vehicle releases in the automotive world. There's no denying that they're good for the environment; whether they are a good fit for you largely depends on how you use your vehicle and your access to a home charging station. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, electric cars are also cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional gas or diesel vehicles.
If you are considering an EV, we’ll help you decide which types of EV cars work best for you by providing an overview of popular types of electric cars and what sets them apart from each other.
At Nexus, we ship cars all over the world, so we know a thing or two about EVs. Read on to learn more!
Popular Electric Car Types
There are multiple types of EVs. Some power the vehicle with electricity only, and others use different combinations of electricity and internal combustion engines (ICE). We’ll focus only on the three most popular types -Battery Electric (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV), and Hybrid Electrics (HEVs)- which now account for about 20 percent of U.S. new vehicle sales. For each, we’ll describe the powertrain and how it affects the vehicle’s usage, and its acquisition and operating costs.
Another form, the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), is now making a comeback in the truck market since the new Dodge Ram 1500 REV has a small gas engine to recharge the battery and extend its range. Since it is new to the market, we won't cover it for now.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
BEVs are powered solely by electricity stored in their battery packs. They do not use gas or diesel, so the vehicles themselves do not generate emissions. BEVs can be charged by being plugged in at home or at the ever-expanding number of public charging stations.
You can find BEV pickups, SUVs, sedans, and coupes, with most popular models having more than 300- mile ranges, with the Tesla Model Y being the top selling BEV. BEVs have higher acquisition costs than comparable models with other powertrains, but they provide long-term cost savings. Charging can take 20 minutes to 24 hours depending on the charging system you use.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars (PHEV)
There are several forms of PHEVs, but they all use both battery power and regular fuel. You can plug it in to charge the battery (which is smaller than the BEV’s), and most can go 30 to 50 miles on the battery alone. After draining the battery or when driving at high speeds, the internal combustion engine kicks in to power the car.
PHEVs are great if you want some of the benefits of an all-electric car but still want the flexibility to use gas on longer drives or when you need more power, such as towing a trailer. Like BEVs, PHEVs have a higher purchase price, but they reduce operating costs, especially if your typical trip is within your battery’s range. America’s best-selling PHEV is the Toyota RAV4.
Hybrid Electrics (HEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), which have been the most popular EVs in the U.S., cannot be plugged in to be charged. The Toyota Camry is America’s best-selling HEV. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and when the engine produces enough excess power to run a generator that tops off the battery. The car does not run solely on the battery; its value comes from assisting the internal combustion engine to save fuel.
HEVs boost fuel economy and do not require the driver to change their behavior since the process happens automatically. Of course, you will not achieve the fuel saving and emission reduction levels of a BEV or PHEV, but every little bit helps.
Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations and Cost
BEVs require and PHEVs allow you to charge their batteries, which occurs today through three charger types:
- Level I (Slow): Uses a 120V outlet to add 3 – 5 miles or range per hour. Works best for PHEVs
- Level II (Standard): Uses a 220V outlet at home, work, or charging station. Fully charges most cars overnight
- Level III (Fast): High-voltage DC voltage that adds 100 – 200 miles in 20 – 40 minutes.
Most EV owners use Level II chargers at home, while fast charging stations are increasingly available at shopping centers, auto dealers, and hotels, especially in urban areas and major corridors.
The typical EV driver saves $60 - $120 per month in fuel costs by charging at home.
Are There Complexities to Towing or Transporting an Electric Car?
Most BEVs and PHEVs should be towed only on flatbed trailers. They should not be towed on a dolly or hook with any wheels remaining on the ground because the wheels remained mechanically connected to the motors even when turned off. This issue does not apply to HEVs.
Other issues come into play when transporting EVs for longer distances. Typically, the transporter asks that your vehicle have a 30 - 50% state of charge to allow them to move the vehicle on and off the carrier. Higher states of charge can cause heat problems. Owners of higher-end EVs may choose to better protect their vehicle using an enclosed carrier, which often costs 34 - 60% more than an open carrier.
You will want to confirm that your carrier is trained on handling EVs, and your model particularly if it has unique features. Among the best practices to follow are:
- Photographing the exterior and interior before handoff
- Disabling automatic door locking or proximity sensors
- Remove personal items
- Deactivate scheduled charging during the trip
EVs weigh more than their ICE counterparts, which increases transportation costs. Also, not all carriers are EV certified, so there is less competition, so you can expect to pay several hundred dollars more to transport an EV versus a comparable ICE vehicle.
It’s best to work with a team like Nexus Auto Transport. Having access to a massive nationwide network of professional carriers ensures you can find a truck, route, and delivery option that suits your specific types of EV cars. Use our shipping calculator to budget for your next shipment.
Types of Electric Vehicles (EVs) Comparison Data
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Primary Power Source & Engine Type |
All electric |
Mix of electric and ICE, depending on charge level |
Primarily ICE |
Average Driving Range & Refueling Time |
Range: 300+ miles Charge: 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on charger |
Range: 20-50 miles on battery Charge: 2 to 15 hours, depending on charger |
Range: Unlimited on ICE Charge: Not applicable |
Public Charging Infrastructure Availability |
Wide availability, especially in major corridors |
Wide availability, especially in major corridors |
Not applicable |
Average Vehicle Weight & Auto Transport Considerations |
Heavier, so more costly; needs 30 - 50% state of charge |
Heavier, so more costly |
No unique issues |
Direct Tailpipe Emissions |
100% reduction |
10 - 70 % time, depending on battery usage |
35 - 30% reduction |
Call Us if You Ever Need to Ship an EV
Hopefully, the article provided a quick explanation of the different types of EV cars, and how those differences affect shipping an EV. If you still have questions, you can find additional answers to many other questions about the auto transport process at our FAQ page.
Overall, our customers ship their EVs for the same reasons they ship their other vehicles regardless of their electrical car type. Although there are unique requirements and circumstances for EVs, the key takeaway for you is to work with a professional provider with the experience and certifications to handle your EV.
We know a lot about them because we specialize in shipping cars around the world. If you ever need to ship an EV, contact us at Nexus Auto Transport.
FAQs About Electric Vehicles
Do electric cars require special handling or equipment during auto transport?
As mentioned above, EVs must be towed or transported on flatbed trailers only. They also weigh more and fewer carriers handle EVs, so you will pay more than for a comparable ICE vehicle.
How much battery charge should my EV have before shipping it across the country?
Most transporters request that your vehicle have a 30 - 50% state of charge. That level allows them to drive the vehicle on and off the carrier without having an excess charge that may cause heat problems in transit.
Does the specific type of electric vehicle (BEV vs. PHEV) affect the final shipping cost?
BEVs generally have larger batteries and weigh more than their PHEV counterparts, so they cost more to transport. However, the vehicle type (e.g., Luxury SUV), distance transported, and the open versus closed carrier choice impact the price more than the BEV-PHEV distinction.
Is it safer and more cost-effective to ship a low-range electric car instead of planning a long-distance road trip?
Driving a low-range EV on a long-distance trip is fine if you want to see the country and have the time. Taking a low-range vehicle on a long-distance trip requires frequent stops to charge, especially in hot or cold weather. You also need to factor in your food and hotel costs as part of the overall transportation costs.
