Types of Electric Vehicles

Drivers from the St Louis Park and across the country are making the switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles. This demand has resulted in automakers offering an ever-expanding lineup of electric vehicles to help drivers like you make a seamless transition from gas-powered vehicles. So, how many types of electric vehicles are there? Today’s market features hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicles, and hydrogen EVs.

These eco-friendly vehicles will not only save you money on fuel costs, but also significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Find out which type of EV will best serve your Minnetonka-area driving needs in this guide from Motorwerks MINI. If you’re ready to upgrade to a new hybrid or electric vehicle, you’ll find some excellent options in the new MINI Cooper inventory at our dealership in Golden Valley.

How Many Types of Electric Vehicles Are There?

So, which one of the four types of electric vehicles is the best fit with your Minneapolis-area lifestyle? Take a quick look at how the different types of EVs work below:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles feature a gas-powered engine and an electric motor which work in tandem to deliver better fuel economy. The battery for the electric motor in a standard hybrid vehicle self-charges, so there is no need to connect to a power source to recharge.
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles: These hybrid electric models come with a powerful battery and motor, with a gas-powered engine as a backup. Plug-in hybrids like the MINI Countryman PHEV must be charged in order to regain mileage. You can either charge the vehicle at home or take advantage of accessible charging stations around Golden Valley.
• Battery Electric Vehicles: Fully electric models like the MINI Cooper Electric SE Hardtop 2 Door come with a much larger motor and battery than what’s offered in other types of electric vehicles. Along with zero emissions, a battery electric vehicle requires less overall maintenance. Plus, many new types of EVs are eligible for tax credits.
• Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell): Fuel Cell vehicles are much less common than other types of electric vehicles. They tend to be much more expensive and available only in certain locations.

Types of Electric Vehicles: Components and Engineering

The different types of electric vehicles have their own unique powertrain configurations and specs. Review the engineering and major components of each below:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Gas engine
• Electric motor
• Battery pack with controller and inverter
• Fuel tank
• Control module

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• Electric motor
• Gas engine
• Inverter
• Battery
• Fuel tank
• Control module
• Battery Charger

Battery Electric Vehicles

• ​​Electric motor
• Inverter
• Battery
• Control Module

Hydrogen Electric Vehicles (Fuel Cell)

• Electric motor
• Fuel-cell stack
• Hydrogen storage tank
• Battery with converter and controller

Explore the Different Types of Electric Vehicles for Sale at Motorwerks MINI

If you’d like to learn more about the MINI Cooper SE Electric range and charging times or if you want to take a look at the types of electric vehicles offered in our pre-owned inventory, head on down to Motorwerks MINI. Ready to get behind the wheel of a hybrid or electric MINI Cooper? Don’t forget to check out our new vehicle specials, and please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.