Types of Electric Vehicles | Lynchburg, VA

Types of Electric Vehicles

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Types of Electric Vehicles in Lynchburg, VA

BMW offers a variety of electrified vehicles that range from the fully electric i-Series to plug-in hybrid models like the 330e. While BMW has a wide range of electric models, many drivers don’t fully understand what options are available to them. This guide will help you understand the differences between the electrified vehicles in the BMW lineup and the benefits each type offers.

Battery Electric Vehicles

There are three main types of electrified vehicles on the market – BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are what most people think of when they hear the term “EV.” That’s because BEVs are fully electric vehicles with powertrains comprised of one or more motors and a battery pack or set of battery packs. These models don’t use gasoline and don’t produce any tailpipe emissions. Instead, BEV drivers can plug in at home to recharge overnight, recharge in a few hours at a Level 2 Charging station, or refresh their battery in as little as 30 minutes at a DC fast charging station. Fully charged, most models have a driving range between 200 and 300 miles. BMW’s lineup currently includes four BEV models:

  • iX
  • i4
  • i5
  • i7

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are a middle-of-the-road option that is great for drivers who need a little more flexibility and aren’t ready to completely give up gasoline. Models like the XM have a powertrain that consists of an engine, a motor, and a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged using the same methods a BEV driver would use. The difference here is that a PHEV will have a much smaller battery that provides an electric-only driving range between 30 to 40 miles. When the battery's power is tapped out, the vehicle will automatically switch back to gasoline. This allows drivers to use cheaper, emissions-free electricity on shorter trips and gasoline on longer trips where they may not have immediate access to a charging station. BMW currently offers four PHEV models:

  • X5 xDrive50e
  • 330e
  • 750e xDrive
  • XM

If you’re in the market for an electrified vehicle, visit our dealership in Lynchburg, VA. The BMW of Lynchburg team will help you identify which powertrain option is right for your driving habits.