![EVQs](/content/dam/mitsubishi-motors-ca/images/pages/electrification/EVQs.png)
Electric Vehicle Questions
It’s why we’re answering questions about electric vehicles, gas vehicles and everything in between. We’ll lay out cost comparisons, charging logistics and rebates, so you can choose the best vehicle for you.
Selecting | Charging | Costs | Comparison | FAQs
But first, acronyms
Let’s get clear on the terminology.
ICE
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine. ICE refers to the engine that powers the vehicle, rather than the vehicle itself. These are the gas cars you have known and loved for decades.
BEV (or EV, for short)
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle. These are the standard EVs you’re probably thinking of. They run on electricity only, so you have to plug them in. There’s no gas engine. Why add the ‘B’ to BEV? Because there are other kinds of electric vehicles.
MHEV
MHEV stands for mild-hybrid, a vehicle that has a typical gas engine but also comes with a small electric battery to give a helping hand with fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The MHEV’s electric battery kicks in when coming to a stop or pulling away, using the engine less.
FCV
FCV stands for Fuel Cell Vehicle. We won’t get into FCVs here, because they’re more rare. But for informational purposes, FCVs are powered by pure hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen mixes with oxygen from the air to produce the electricity that turns the wheels. It only emits water vapour.
PHEV
PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and there are two kinds available: Parallel and Extended Range. Parallel (like the Outlander PHEV) works just as its name describes, where the gas engine and the electric motor work side by side, independently from each other. It uses the electric motor first, for as long as it can, (usually from 24-68 km) and once that’s depleted, the gas engine kicks into gear to get you the rest of the way. To switch back to electric, just plug in and recharge. An Extended Range PHEV also uses electricity and gas, but it uses the gas to create electricity in order to power up the electric motor.
HEV
HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle. Similar to a PHEV, HEVs have a gasoline engine and an electric battery but it doesn’t need to be charged. That’s because it creates electric energy all on its own through regenerative braking. So when you’re idling or at a red light, it will cut the gas engine and power with electricity. HEVs are really great for fuel savings, without any change to your routine.
What about ZEVs?
Not a big reader?
Which vehicle makes the most sense for you?
Your vehicle is about your drive, your goals and what’s important to you. It should fit your lifestyle. So ask yourself what you need. A daily commuter car? Kid shuttle? Weekend joy ride?
Factors like where you live, how you drive and how far you go really matter.
City Driving
BEST CHOICE: BEV, PHEV
With shorter distances, stop-and-go traffic and more charging stations, you may benefit from the efficiency of BEV, PHEV or HEV. Electric motors can handle city drives more efficiently than gas engines. If you’re driving a PHEV, it could be months before you ever need to fill up with gas.
Long Commutes & Road Trips
BEST CHOICE: GAS, HEV, PHEV
For highway speeds and long-distance drives, a gas engine offers better fuel efficiency and power, especially if you’re driving a hybrid or PHEV. You can get away with a BEV, depending on your route, but range anxiety is likely to sneak up on you.
City & Country
BEST CHOICE: PHEV, HEV
For a mix of short city drives and long-distance trips, a PHEV offers both efficiency and range. Gas vehicles and HEV can also handle long-distance drives, but the PHEV saves you a lot of money when most of your driving is gas free.
Rural & Remote
BEST CHOICE: HEV, GAS, PHEV
Charging infrastructure makes gas and hybrid vehicles the clear winners, here—at least for right now. The last thing anyone needs is to run out of battery on a country road. If you install a charger at home, PHEVs will add fuel savings. But if you live in a place where most destinations take an hour, a BEV would need careful planning.
Of course, there are other factors
Costs
We don’t have to tell you that money matters, especially now, and especially with a big expense. The cost of EVs compared to ICE vehicles is complex, but not overwhelming. It basically comes down to up-front costs vs. long-term ownership costs, and where it makes sense to spend those dollars.
How each vehicle compares
From maximum driving range to maximum power, here’s an overview of how these EVs stack up.
*Depending on EV type, battery size, charging capacity, etc.
Power
Which performs best in torque and acceleration.
BEV | PHEV | HEV | Gas |
★★★★ | ★★★☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆ |
Maintenance
Which is more cost effective for maintenance and repairs per mile (up to 100,000 miles) and lifetime*.
BEV | PHEV | HEV | Gas |
★★★☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆ |
Carbon Emissions
Which vehicle is more eco efficient (fewer carbon emissions).
BEV | PHEV | HEV | Gas |
★★★★ | ★★★☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆ |
Driving Range
Which takes you the farthest without needing to stop and refuel.
BEV | PHEV | HEV | Gas |
★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆ | ★★★★ | ★★★☆ |