PEV

PEV stands for plug-in electric vehicle, a type of road vehicle that uses electrical energy stored in onboard batteries and can be recharged by connecting to an external electrical power source. In common usage, PEV refers primarily to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which run solely on electric power, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which combine an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine and can be charged from the grid. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are sometimes discussed alongside PEVs in broader conversations about electric transport, but they are powered by hydrogen fuel cells and typically do not recharge from the grid.

Charging infrastructure enables PEV operation. Levels of charging include Level 1 (standard household outlets), Level 2 (higher power for home and public charging), and DC fast charging for rapid energy replenishment. Concepts such as vehicle-to-grid and smart charging explore how PEVs can support the electricity grid and energy management.

Environmental and economic considerations vary by electricity generation mix and policy context. PEVs generally reduce tailpipe emissions relative to internal combustion engines, but their overall environmental impact depends on how electricity is produced, vehicle lifespan, battery manufacturing practices, and end-of-life recycling. Many regions offer incentives, mandates, or procurement programs to promote PEV adoption, alongside investments in charging networks and interoperability standards.

Other uses of the acronym exist in different fields, but plug-in electric vehicle is the dominant interpretation in policy and industry discussions. The term PEV may appear in national transport plans, air-quality strategies, and automotive markets as shorthand for electric-drive transportation powered by external electricity.