Types of Electric Cars

A Battery Electric Vehicle is a fully electric vehicle, meaning the only power source is via a doesn't run on gasoline or use an internal combustion engine. Instead, electric cars run solely on battery power. Drivers can charge them at home using Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers and at commercial charging stations with Level 3 chargers. Driving an electric car is also very straightforward. Most come with automatic gearboxes and regenerative brakes that slow the car when you lift off the throttle to help replenish the battery. An excellent example of an EV is the Jeep Recon, this SUV gets 100% of its power from electricity. 

Plug-In Hybrid vehicles, also call PHEVs, contain a medium-sized electric battery that powers the engine and an accompanying petrol or diesel-powered engine. The plug-in term refers to the need to plug the car into a suitable charging point to replenish the battery. PHEVs are a bridge between the traditional Hybrid and an electric vehicle. Typically, PHEV can travel a decent amount of miles in electric mode. However, once electric power is depleted, the traditional combustion engine takes over and operates as usual. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a prime example of a PHEV. They can travel 25-mile in an electric and 470-mile combined driving range.

Hybrid Vehicles, or HEV as they are commonly called, are powered by an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors, which use energy stored in batteries. HEVs use an electric battery when traveling un 20 mph and a traditional combustion engine when traveling faster. The combustion engine also recharges the generator while cruising, producing electricity, and storing it in the batteries for later use.

MHEV stands for Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle, these are similar to HEV. They have a very small battery that recharges itself but does not actually propel the car. Instead, the battery and electric motor power the vehicle and can allow the engine to shut off at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, further improving fuel economy. Ram's eTorque Mild Hybrid Technology is a perfect example of an MHEV. With this system, a motor/generator is attached to its engine's crankshaft via a belt that is capable of adding torque, cranking the engine in a stop/start event, or making electricity with regenerative braking.

If you want to cruise Springfield's streets in an electric, hybrid, or plug-in vehicle, head to Reedman-Toll CDJR Springfield. We have a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying our customers' needs. Feel free to browse our inventory online, request more vehicle information, set up a test drive, or inquire about financing. Or, if you would rather discuss your options with our friendly sales staff, click on Directions for interactive driving directions and other contact information.