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Electric vehicle technologies and types

Say goodbye to gas – or choose a hybrid for greater range

There are four different electric vehicle technologies, which we've highlighted below. Plug-in electric vehicle is the technical term to describe all vehicles that have a battery that can be charged or plugged into an electrical outlet – and that's what we focus on across this site. But there's also a couple of others. However, across the electric vehicle community, 'EV' is the accepted generic term for them all.

Simple diagram of main components of a plug-in electric vehicle

Battery EVs

(BEVs, or more commonly, EVs)

A battery electric vehicle is powered entirely by a battery and single or dual electric motors. Battery EVs don't use any gas and have to be plugged into a charger.

Like all electric vehicles, BEVs can also recharge their batteries through regenerative braking. This means that instead of using the brakes, the electric motor(s) slow down the vehicle, capturing that energy and feeding it back into the battery.

Plug-in hybrid EVs

(PHEVs)

A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) runs mostly on batteries recharged by plugging into the power grid. But it also has a gas-powered internal combustion engine. This recharges the battery and/or replaces the electric motor when the battery is low and more power is required.

PHEVs are often cheaper and cleaner to run than traditional hybrid vehicles (HEVs) because they can be recharged by the power grid. You'll still need to buy gas – but far less frequently.

Hybrid EVs

(HEVs)

Hybrid vehicles (HEVs) were made popular by the second generation Toyota Prius. They have two complementary drive systems that run simultaneously: a gas-powered engine and fuel tank, along with an electric motor and a battery. But don't confuse HEVs with PHEVs: HEVs are not plug-ins, as they can't be recharged from the power grid.

Fuel-cell EVs

(FCEVs)

A fuel-cell electric vehicle uses on-board fuel cells to generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen and power an electric motor. A fuel-cell vehicle only takes a few minutes to refuel, has a range of about 600 km, and emits only water from its exhaust.

Fuel cell vehicles are expected to grow in popularity, but as of 2022, there are only two models available in B.C. – the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai. It’s important to consider that there are a limited number of public hydrogen refuelling stations B.C. currently, with more under construction. There are four stations in B.C. (Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver and Victoria) with additional stations planned for 2022/2023, including one in Kelowna. The Government of B.C. announced the allocation of funds to the construction and operation of additional stations.

Related content

What does 98% clean mean?

Get the facts

Maintaining and insuring an EV

Learn about it

B.C.'s EV charger rebate program

Learn about it

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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