What is an Electric Vehicle?
A “full LEV”, or all-electric vehicle, is a vehicle that operates only on electric battery power. This is different from a hybrid car, which operates on both a gas combustion engine and an electric battery. Learn more.
The proliferation of electric vehicles on the road has introduced a lot of new terminology for drivers to learn. Among these new terms is the distinction between “full” luxury electric vehicles and partial electric, or hybrid, vehicles.
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In simple terms, a full electric vehicle is a vehicle that does not use any power source other than its electric battery. A hybrid vehicle, on the other hand, uses both electricity and a gas combustion engine. At Ray Catena Auto Group, we’re the regional experts on both vehicle types – read more below to get the scoop.
What is a Hybrid Car?
Hybrid vehicles get their name from the fact that they combine two different types of motors. Hybrids are powered by both a gas-powered combustion engine and an electric battery. Unlike fully electric vehicles, some hybrids, like the Lexus UX Hybrid, are not charged with an external charger. Instead, their batteries are changed by the combustion engine and by regenerative braking systems.
There are currently three classes of hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrids, series hybrids, and plug-in hybrids.
Parallel Hybrid
A parallel hybrid is powered by a gas engine and electric battery which are connected by a single transmission source. They get their name because of the two power sources operating parallel to one another.
Series Hybrid
In a series hybrid, the gas motor’s only function is to recharge the electric battery. The battery is then responsible for powering the car as your dive. This means that the car drives very similarly to a fully electric vehicle.
Plug-In Hybrid
A plug-in hybrid, like the Lexus NX, operates as a fully electric vehicle first and foremost. Like all-electric vehicles, a plug-in hybrid’s battery is charged using an external charging source. A plug-in is able to operate on electric power as long as the battery maintains a charge. However, if that charge runs out, the car can then switch to operating on gas power. A plug-in hybrid has less all-electric range than a full LEV. But with regular charging, drivers can make short commutes without ever using a drop of gas. For example, the Lexus NX can go 36 miles on a full charge before switching to gas power. But with public and home charging options, drivers can charge before or after every commute.
Full Electric Vehicles
Fully electric vehicles have no gas engine at all. Instead, full luxury electric vehicles are powered 100% by an electric battery. A fully electric vehicle will have a much greater charge range than a plug-in hybrid. These ranges can vary from anywhere around 100 miles to over 300 miles, in the case of the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
There are three levels of charging available for electric vehicles: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging.
Level 1 chargers operate on 120V cables and provide a slow, steady charge to your vehicle. These chargers come standard with most EVs and are compatible with regular outlets.
Level charging uses a 240V outlet. Many public charging stations provide Level 2 charging. Additionally, many EV owners elect to install Level 2 chargers in their homes.
DC Fast Charging uses direct current to provide a rapid charge. This method can provide a full charge in roughly 30 minutes.
Ray Catena is the area’s expert in LEVs – you can always trust our advice on Electrified Luxury. Continue reading to learn more about fully electric or hybrid models, or charging options and costs.
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