Guide to EV Powertrains

What should you know about electric powertrains?

If you don’t know the difference between a BEV and a PHEV, you’re in good company. Most drivers are interested in reducing their carbon footprint and saving on fuel with electric vehicles, but they don’t know much about them. The Hyundai lineup includes a wide range of electric powertrains with options that can fit every lifestyle, and this guide aims to educate buyers about how EVs work and each type available.

Basic EV Terms

The first step to understanding how each electric powertrain works is getting to know these basic EV terms:

• Battery: EV batteries are larger, more advanced, and have a higher capacity than the batteries in traditional gas-powered vehicles. The amount of energy they can store varies by model and is directly correlated with the EV's range or how far it can drive on a single charge. All fully electric Hyundai models have a range of at least 180 miles, and some can travel well over 300 miles on a single charge.
• Regenerative Braking: We won’t get into the complicated science behind how regenerative braking works, but in a nutshell, every time a traditional vehicle engages the brakes, energy is lost. Regenerative brakes are engineered to capture a portion of that energy to recharge the EV battery.
• Lifespan: Every component of a vehicle has an estimated lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. EV batteries are no different, but they have a lifespan that is a lot longer than standard car batteries. Even when EVs have reached the end of their lifespan, they don’t stop working immediately. Instead, drivers may find that their capacity and driving range have decreased. All Hyundai BEVS are covered by an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.

EV Types

There are three main types of EVs, and each one offers a different set of benefits and drawbacks for drivers. Which one matches your lifestyle depends on your driving habits and your location.

• Electric (BEV): Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) like the KONA Electric are powered exclusively by an EV battery that is charged using a home charger or a charging station. Their powertrains are comprised of one or more motors and a battery pack. These models don’t produce any tailpipe emissions.
• Hybrid (HEV): Hybrid vehicles operate without the need for plug-in charging, relying solely on regenerative braking. They are equipped with a battery, motor, and electric engine, enabling you to reduce fuel consumption without altering your driving habits. You’ll still refuel at the gas pump as usual.
• Plug-in Hybrid: PHEVs like the SANTA FE Plug-in Hybrid are a middle-of-the-road option. Their powertrains have the same components as an HEV, but they can plug in to charge like a BEV and typically have an electric-only driving mode of 30 to 40 miles. When the battery is tapped out, it automatically switches to gas power.

4 Questions to Determine Which EV Type Is Right for You

1. Are you switching to electric to reduce your carbon footprint? If so, a BEV will make the largest impact.
2. Is your main motivator fuel costs? If your goal is to reduce your gas bill, all three electric options will help you do that but, once again, a BEV will have the largest impact with PHEVS coming in second and although they’ll have the least impact, HEVs still offer a significant benefit for both the environment and your fuel efficiency.
3. Do you travel often? If you and the open road are buddies, BEVs might not be the best fit for you, especially if you travel in areas without electric charging stations. Opt for a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid model instead. A PHEV will give you the most flexibility, allowing you to use electric-only driving when you’re in town and switch to gas when you’re away.
4. Do you have access to charging stations? BEV owners need a readily available charging source. If you don’t live in an area with a charging station nearby and you can’t have one installed in your home, a HEV is your best option. An HEV will allow you to cut down on carbon emissions and reduce your spending on fuel without hunting down a charging station.

If you’re still not sure which EV option is best for you, speak with a representative at Red McCombs Hyundai, and we’ll help you decide which electrified vehicle option matches your lifestyle.