Hybrid and Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and all-electric vehicles (EVs)—also called electric-drive vehicles collectively—use electricity either as their primary fuel or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

HEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and by an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine and does not plug in to charge.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

PHEVs are powered by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The vehicle can be plugged in to an electric power source to charge the battery. Some can travel nearly 100 miles on electricity alone, and all can operate solely on gasoline (similar to a conventional hybrid).

All-Electric Vehicles 

EVs use a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle in to an electric power source.

Source: afdc.energy.gov