BeV

BEV, or battery electric vehicle, refers to road vehicles propelled primarily by electric motors powered by energy stored in rechargeable batteries. Unlike internal-combustion engine vehicles, BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions. They are powered by electricity drawn from a battery pack, which is recharged by connecting to the electrical grid.

Most BEVs use lithium-ion battery packs, with ongoing research into solid-state technologies. The battery is charged from home charging equipment or public charging stations. Charging levels commonly include Level 1 (120 V in the United States), Level 2 (240 V in the United States; typically 3.6–19 kW), and DC fast charging at higher power (often 50–350 kW). Real-world range varies by model, battery size, driving conditions, and temperature, but modern BEVs typically offer ranges of roughly 150–400 miles per charge.

Market and policy developments have driven BEV adoption, including incentives, stricter emission standards, and improvements in battery technology. Governments often support charging networks, grid upgrades, and consumer subsidies. Automakers offer a spectrum of BEVs alongside plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and conventional hybrids, with all-electric variants increasing their share of new-car sales in many regions.

Environmental and economic considerations inform BEV assessments. When charged with low- or zero-emission electricity, BEVs generally have lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than internal-combustion vehicles, particularly over longer vehicle lifetimes. Operating costs tend to be lower due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance. Limitations include higher upfront purchase price, charging infrastructure needs, longer refueling times compared with gasoline, and concerns about battery production, recycling, and second-life use.