BEV, Battery Electric Vehicle

This is the abbreviation identifying Full Electric cars with zero emissions, without any type of combustion engine or hybrid technology. These cars are 100% electric for zero emission journeys, and they're recharged via a power socket, public charging point or fast-charger. The exclusive use of the battery means zero fuel consumption, zero emission driving, and autonomy of up to roughly 600 km. The advantages are instantaneous torque, smooth acceleration and quiet driving.

​PHEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

This hybrid car has a heat engine plus an electric battery-powered motor to boost efficiency and reduce emissions. It can travel short distances (around 100 km) on its electric supply alone. Recharging is possible at home, thanks to a wallbox - basically a battery-charger for electric cars - or a normal domestic power socket and the cable supplied. It can also be recharged at public charging points.

​FHEV, Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Vehicles that combine a battery with a conventional combustion engine to boost power and improve efficiency. The battery is recharged while driving, thanks to regenerative braking. These hybrid cars with automatic recharging have a lower level of electric autonomy compared with plug-in hybrid models, but they can still travel short distances on just their electric supply, albeit at low speeds. They're ideal for short trips in the city.

​MHEV, Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle

This car has a 48 volt battery-powered electric motor as back-up to a conventional petrol or diesel engine. It's not recharged from an outside power source, and doesn't allow all-electric driving. It uses the stored energy simply to obtain an enhanced torque. In short, the electric motor acts as a generator when braking, producing stored energy ready to supplement the engine when necessary.