FYI: Automakers often use confusing terminology to describe their vehicle lineups, leading to misconceptions about the electric vehicle market. Let’s break down what terms like "electrified" and "electric" truly mean.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Automakers have developed a range of confusing terms to describe their vehicles. From "mild hybrid" to "electrified powertrain," these terms can leave consumers scratching their heads. To make sense of it all, let’s clarify what "electrified," "mild hybrid," "PHEV," and "EV" really mean.
Why This Matters
The term "electrified" has led many consumers to mistakenly believe that certain automakers are leading in the EV market. A global study revealed that most people think "electrified" means "100% electric," which is not accurate. Companies like Honda and Toyota are often perceived as EV leaders, while they actually lag behind brands like General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen in both total EV sales and proportionate EV sales.
Electrified: A Broad but Vague Term
"Electrified" refers to any vehicle with an electric motor in its powertrain. The importance and size of this motor vary greatly. For instance, some vehicles use a small integrated starter-generator to assist the combustion engine. This small motor provides torque fill but cannot power the car on its own.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are electric vehicles (EVs), which run solely on electricity. Between these two extremes, numerous categories including mild hybrids (MHEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) exist. They all fall under the "electrified" umbrella.
Rule of Thumb: If It Has an Electric Motor, It’s Electrified
Electric Vehicles
EVs, or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), are powered entirely by electricity. They don’t use fossil fuels and have zero tailpipe emissions. Notable examples include Tesla vehicles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. These cars are what most people think of when they hear "electric vehicle."
Other Electrified Vehicle Types
While EVs get most of the attention, the term "electrified" includes various vehicle types. Here’s a breakdown:
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Mild Hybrids (MHEVs): These vehicles have small electric motor-generators that recuperate and supply energy to assist the engine. They can’t run on electric power alone but shut down the gas engine at stops to save fuel. Examples include non-PHEV Volvos and Ram 1500s with "eTorque" branding.
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Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Combining a combustion engine with an electric motor, HEVs can drive short distances on electric power alone. They don’t need plug-in charging and regenerate energy through braking. Examples include the Toyota Prius and Ford F-150 PowerBoost.
- Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs): With larger batteries and the ability to plug in and recharge, PHEVs can drive longer distances on electric power alone. They can also run on gas when the battery depletes. Examples include the Toyota Prius Prime and Jeep Wrangler 4xe.
Conclusion
The term "electrified" covers a wide range of vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), but EVs, HEVs, MHEVs, and PHEVs are the most common. Understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions when shopping for a car. Now, you can confidently navigate dealership jargon and understand exactly what you’re getting.
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By William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
