Battery Vehicle Types
There are several kinds of battery-powered vehicles out there, each designed to suit different needs and lifestyles.
What is a BEV?
A BEV – short for Battery Electric Vehicle – is a type of car or van that runs purely on electricity. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, BEVs don’t have an engine under the bonnet. Instead, they’re powered by one or more electric motors and a large rechargeable battery.
So, how do they work and why are they becoming so popular? Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits:
Easy Charging
One of the biggest perks of owning a BEV is how simple it is to recharge. You can plug in at home, use public charging stations, or take advantage of rapid chargers for a quick top-up on the go.
Impressive Range
Today’s BEVs can typically travel anywhere from 150 to over 300 miles on a single charge – depending on the model and battery size. And with EV technology improving all the time, those numbers are getting better and better.
Zero Emissions
BEVs don’t have tailpipes – which means they don’t produce any exhaust emissions. That makes them a great choice for the environment and ideal for driving in clean air zones or low-emission areas in busy towns and cities.
Lower Running Costs
Because BEVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, they tend to be cheaper to maintain. There’s no oil to change and fewer things that can go wrong – which can save you money in the long run.
A Smooth, Quiet Drive
Thanks to their electric motors, BEVs offer instant acceleration and a super-smooth, quiet ride. It’s a different driving experience – and once you try it, you might not want to go back!
Income Tax Incentives
A BEV is a great choice for business users to keep their Benefit in Kind rate as low as possible. With BIK rates as low as 3% for tax year 25/26, and rising 1% a year through until being capped at 5% in 2027/28, the incentive is clear to see.
What is an MHEV?
An MHEV – or Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle – is a type of car that combines a traditional petrol or diesel engine with a small electric motor. Unlike full hybrids or plug-ins, MHEVs can’t run on electric power alone – but they do use that electric boost to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Here’s what makes MHEVs worth considering:
A Helping Hand at the Right Time
MHEVs don’t offer electric-only driving, but the small electric motor works alongside the engine to assist during acceleration and cruising. The result? Smoother performance and better fuel economy – all without any extra input from the driver.
Clever Energy Use
Many MHEVs use regenerative braking, which means they capture energy when you slow down or brake. This energy is then stored in a small battery and reused to help power the car – reducing emissions without needing to plug in.
Budget-Friendly Efficiency
MHEVs are typically more affordable than full hybrids or electric vehicles, making them a great option if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and fuel bills without going fully electric just yet.
Effortless Driving
There’s no need to worry about switching modes or remembering to charge – MHEVs do their thing quietly in the background, delivering smooth, fuss-free performance every time you hit the road.
Choosing the Right Type of Electric Vehicle
Not all electrified cars work the same way — here’s a quick comparison of BEVs, PHEVs, and MHEVs to help you decide which best suits your driving needs.
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
- Power Source: 100% electric – no petrol or diesel engine
- Electric-Only Driving: 150–300+ miles per charge
- Charging Required: Yes – plug in at home/public
- Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions
- Fuel Savings: High – no fuel required
- Driving Experience: Quiet, smooth, instant torque
- Best For: Drivers ready to go fully electric
- Maintenance: Low – fewer moving parts
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
- Power Source: Electric + petrol/diesel engine
- Electric-Only Driving: 20–50 miles on electric
- Charging Required: Yes – plug in to recharge
- Emissions: Low (esp. for short trips)
- Fuel Savings: Moderate – reduced fuel use
- Driving Experience: Smooth switch between power sources
- Best For: Short commutes with flexibility
- Maintenance: Moderate – engine + electric
MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
- Power Source: Petrol/diesel + small electric motor
- Electric-Only Driving: No – assists engine only
- Charging Required: No – charges itself
- Emissions: Reduced vs. traditional engines
- Fuel Savings: Lower, but some improvements
- Driving Experience: Seamless with engine support
- Best For: Efficiency without changing habits
- Maintenance: Similar to regular cars