Lexus of Las Vegas Explains “Electrified Vehicles”
The term “Electrified Vehicle” refers to any vehicle with a drivetrain utilizing an electric motor for propulsion. In today’s automotive marketplace, there are generally four types of electrified vehicles, three of which can be found here at Lexus of Las Vegas. Here is a brief rundown of each type of electrified vehicle.
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – Lexus Example: RZ
The BEV is the simplest to explain. You charge up a battery, which can then power a motor to drive the wheels. The motor will be between the drive wheels with AWD models having motors in the front and back. A Battery Electric Vehicle does not require a transmission. Braking and deceleration will feed power back into the battery, though conventional friction-based braking systems remain for hard stops.
Along with being emission-free, EVs are quiet and smooth. They require little drivetrain maintenance and have the option of being charged from home with a professionally installed Level 2 Charger. A BEV can be quite fast and handle very well as the generally floor-mounted batteries result in a low center of gravity.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle. (HEV or HV) – Lexus Example: ES 300h
As the name implies, Lexus Hybrid Electric Vehicles use a combination of a gas engine and electric motors. Depending on conditions, an engine of an HEV or HV will power a generator for the motor to drive the wheels or the motor will assist the gas engine; all of which is determined by an onboard computer. Like BEVs, supplemental charging occurs from deceleration and braking.
Hybrids have significantly better gas mileage than equivalent gas-powered models, particularly in stop-and-go city driving. For example, the ES 250 has an EPA estimated city MPG of 28, while the same figure for the hybrid ES 300h, is 44 MPG. Lower fuel usage is environmentally friendly and economical, reducing emissions. Another advantage of hybrid models is that owners can simply drive and maintain these vehicles just like conventional gas-powered vehicles.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – Lexus Example: NX 450h+
A PHEV is very much like a hybrid vehicle yet with a larger battery that can be plugged in and charged, offering the additional ability to be fully charged overnight with a regular 110V wall socket. This allows PHEVs a certain amount of pure electrically driven operation, which is often between 25 and 45 miles. When one’s commute is within their EV range, or a charger is available at the workplace, the vehicle can run emission-free on electricity for its daily use.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
In the context of electrified vehicles, “fuel cell” almost always refers to a hydrogen-powered drivetrain. Filling the Lexus hybrid electric car with hydrogen is a process similar to gas refueling. The fuel cell then converts the hydrogen into electric energy which powers an electric motor. These vehicles are essentially EVs with energy stored as hydrogen rather than a battery, exhibiting the same smooth and quiet operation. With the only emission being water, these vehicles are also pollution-free.
Come See Our Lexus Electric Hybrid Cars!
Our Lexus of Las Vegas store has several electrified models in stock, such as the new Lexus ES 300h. A convenient Las Vegas location provides you genuine Lexus service, parts, and accessories to fully maintain your new Lexus. Reach out or stop by and speak with any of our Lexus professionals at Lexus of Las Vegas to get you started on your new Lexus EV journey.