More and more people are driving electric vehicles—the pioneering phase is now over. In the first half of 2025, almost 28% of newly registered cars in Germany were electric vehicles. And some electric vehicles can already be found on the used car market. 

This, of course, also involves a change of habit and a change in thinking. Charging is becoming increasingly important—it's usually just as easy as refueling, but it takes a bit longer, and the availability of the charging infrastructure and the associated power grids also needs to be improved.

Manufacturers are offering an ever-expanding range of electrified cars. However, not all electric vehicles use the same drive system. If you exclude hydrogen fuel cell vehicles—which are also electric—three common drive variants remain, which we will examine in more detail here: pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles with range extenders (EREVs).

These are abbreviations that are becoming increasingly common, but many people still don't really know whats behind them. We're changing that now.

The drive components

Purely battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are the easiest to explain because they require the fewest drive components in this comparison. A large battery supplies the electric motor with power, which in turn drives the wheels. The battery can be recharged by recuperation of braking energy when you are braking while you drive. Furthermore, the vehicle is charged via a plug-in wallbox or charging station at home.

Things get a bit more complex with so-called plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). They are generally characterized by a combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle, as well as a plug-in connector for the battery for charging with mains electricity. The plug-in hybrid most commonly found on German roads is derived from the classic combustion engine. The combustion engine and transmission form the main drive unit, with the electric motor and battery providing additional power.

With electric vehicles with range extenders (EREVs), which are particularly popular in China, the opposite is true. They are derived from BEVs, with the battery and electric motor forming the main components for energy storage and the drive unit. In this type of vehicle, the battery can also be charged directly via a mains power plug. A smaller combustion engine drives a generator and can charge the battery while driving. The name "range extender" is therefore appropriate, as the combustion engine allows the available range to be increased accordingly, even without the need for an additional charging stop.

The following applies to both PHEV and EREV: For both versions, consumption and emissions are determined according to the same legal regulations.

Electric vehicles for all occasions

Which electrified drive concept best suits consumers depends entirely on their individual usage profile.

PHEVs with full-size combustion engines offer consistently reasonable cruising speeds over long distances and high towing power, especially on long and steep inclines. Their all-electric range is shorter than that of BEVs and electric vehicles with range extenders, but can be sufficient for everyday commutes to the office, school, or the supermarket. Their close technological relationship to conventional combustion engines also makes the PHEV the perfect entry into electromobility for those who cannot or do not want to commit to a purely battery-electric vehicle right away.

EREVs, on the other hand, typically have greater electric acceleration and range, combining agile and emission-free driving in urban areas with the possibility of extended range. PHEVs, on the other hand, are more efficient over long distances because they convert the energy of the combustion engine directly into kinetic energy. Instead, the EREV converts the mechanical energy of the combustion engine several times before reaching the wheel.

One advantage of PHEVs and EREVs is that they require smaller batteries than BEVs. This is a factor that should not be underestimated, especially given the high demand for raw materials for electric car batteries.

Technological openness is the key

The basic principle is that local and national conditions, such as charging infrastructure, and individual usage requirements and driving profiles require a diverse range of mobility options. There can't be a single vehicle that meets all needs.

In this respect, all drive variants have their advantages and justification. The green transformation of our mobility can only succeed if the transition from conventional vehicles to cars with new drive technologies doesn't raise a sense of sacrifice. Therefore, it's good to know that the German automotive industry has a wide range of attractive options with diverse performance specifications in its portfolio.

This, of course, also applies beyond electromobility. We are convinced that the electrification of drive systems will make a key contribution to climate-neutral mobility. At the same time, it is undoubtedly true that we need global solutions to make decisive progress in climate protection. Therefore, in the spirit of technological openness, we have always advocated for diverse solutions on the path to climate neutrality for different regions. For example, modern synthetic fuels are needed that enable the continued operation of vehicles with combustion engine technology in an environmentally friendly way.