If you are new to electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), these pages are a good place to start!
Let’s get some definitions out of the way first:
- EV – sometimes also known as a BEV (battery EV); these cars are powered solely by a battery – the only way to recharge them is to use a suitable EVSE.
- PHEV – there are sub-types of PHEV, but generally speaking, the genre can be defined as cars that can travel solely on electric power for anywhere from 10 – 80 km. They include a gasoline engine as well, which will kick-in when the vehicle needs extra power, more range, or it is pretty cold outside.
- EVSE – electric vehicle supply equipment. Not much more helpful even when spelled out, is it! The EVSE is more commonly referred to as a ‘charger’, but that terminology is not correct – the charger is actually included in the car, the EVSE is just the ‘stuff’ that transfers electricity to your car.
EVSE for a Nissan Leaf
Now head over to the Charging, Available EVs in Canada, Benefits of EVs or Resources page to learn more.