If you're exploring electric vehicles, you're in the right place. Before choosing one, it helps to understand how the two main types differ in how they're powered and how they drive day to day.
Some run entirely on electricity. Others use electricity for daily driving and gasoline as a backup. Understanding the difference can help you choose the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.
| Electric Vehicle BEV | Plug-In Hybrid PHEV | |
|---|---|---|
| Uses electricity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Uses gasoline | ✗ | ✓ |
| Charge at home | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daily driving on electricity | ✓ | ✓ |
| Long trips without charging | Limited | ✓ |
| Tailpipe emissions | None | Yes |
A BEV runs entirely on electricity.
The battery stores energy, which powers an electric motor that turns the wheels. When you drive, the vehicle uses electricity from the battery — no gasoline is involved at any point.
When you slow down or brake, the vehicle captures some of that energy through regenerative braking, sending it back into the battery to help extend range.
To recharge, you plug into a home, work, or public charger.
A PHEV uses both electricity and gasoline.
It has a smaller battery and an electric motor for everyday driving. For short trips, it can drive like a fully electric car using stored battery power.
When the battery runs low — or when extra range is needed — a gasoline engine automatically turns on to power the vehicle or assist the wheels.
Like a BEV, it can also recharge through plug-in charging and regenerative braking. But unlike a BEV, it can keep going using gasoline when charging isn't available.
Both types are available across a wide range of prices and body styles in Canada. Here is one of each to give you a sense of what each looks like in the real market.
