If you've started looking at electric vehicles and already feel confused by the terminology, you're not alone. "Electric car" means three completely different things depending on who's using the term and getting it wrong when buying used could be an expensive mistake
The three types of electric vehicle
BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle
There is no petrol engine just a battery pack and an electric motor. You charge it from a socket, and it produces zero tailpipe emissions. When people say "electric car," a BEV is what they usually mean and it is the only type covered in depth on this site.
PHEV - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
A PHEV has both a battery and a petrol engine. You can plug it in and run on electricity for shorter journeys before the petrol engine takes over. PHEVs are more complex than pure EVs , two systems to maintain instead of one which affects both servicing costs and what to check when buying used.
HEV - Standard Hybrid
A standard hybrid has a small battery that charges itself automatically through braking and the engine. You never plug it in. It is essentially a petrol car with a fuel-saving system. It will not give you the running cost benefits or the driving experience of a true electric vehicle.
Why this matters when buying used
Not every seller is accurate about what they are selling. Some listings use the word "electric" to describe any car with a battery including standard hybrids that never need charging. Always check the fuel type on the V5C logbook. If there is no mention of a charging cable or plug socket in the listing, you may not be looking at a fully electric vehicle.
