BEV vs Hybrid: What’s the Difference?
Today, there are multiple powertrains to choose from when picking out your vehicle. We don’t just mean V6 vs V8 or diesel vs gas. Today, you can choose between hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Some drivers have been aware of these alternative powertrains for some time, while others are just starting to learn about them. We are always happy to educate curious drivers on these options that rely less on gas or don’t use it at all.
A BEV will not use a single drop of gas. It relies solely on battery power. The majority of BEVs include regenerative braking systems that capture energy when you brake and store it in the battery. What’s nice about that is that, while in gas-engine vehicles, braking can feel like you’re wasting fuel, in BEVs, braking helps you power the car. Many drivers also love how quiet BEVs are, reducing noise pollution in cities and neighborhoods.
Instead of going to a fuel pump when your vehicle is low on battery, you go to a charger. Many BEV drivers have chargers at home, whether a Level 1 charger (which uses a common 120-volt AC outlet) or Level 2 charger (which uses a 240V outlet). However, cities and towns across the United States are installing more public charging stations every year so you can easily recharge while you're out and about. Many public charging stations are Level 3 DC fast chargers, which are the fastest-working chargers, capable of bringing a battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes.
A hybrid vehicle relies on a combination of battery power and gasoline. When you have a long trip planned, you might like the convenience of being able to pull into a gas station to fill up because charging infrastructure can still be patchy in remote locations. Many drivers also like hybrids because they’re not quite ready to leave gasoline behind entirely. You do not plug a hybrid vehicle into a charger (that’s a PHEV, which we’ll get to). It simply adds battery power through regenerative braking.
BEV vs PHEV: What’s the Difference?
A plug-in hybrid can seem very similar to a traditional hybrid. That’s because it is also powered by a combination of gasoline and electricity. But as its name promises, you can plug a PHEV into a charger in order to recharge its battery—you don’t only rely on regenerative braking. However, PHEVs differ from BEVs in that they still have an internal combustion engine. For that reason, the battery tends to be much smaller than that of a BEV, even though it is much larger than a traditional hybrid.
With a PHEV, you have the option to either fill up at a gas station or power up at a charging station. You can plug your PHEV into most of the same chargers you would use for a BEV. The one exception is Level 3 DC fast chargers. Most PHEVs do not work with Level 3 chargers, so if you want to rely more on the battery than gasoline, be sure to put aside time to charge up at home.
You’ll typically find that PHEVs are more affordable than BEVs. Much of the reason behind this is that the batteries for BEVs are quite expensive. Since a PHEV has a smaller battery than a BEV, it will usually have a smaller price tag. Plus, many PHEV models are eligible for the Federal electric vehicle tax credit, making them even more affordable.
Why Choose Kia Electric Vehicles?
Kia has built a lineup of BEV, HEV, and PHEV models that is the envy of the automotive world. As a result, you can find a wider variety of vehicle types when buying a new or used Kia EV, all at an affordable price. In addition, Kia is one of the pioneers of the EV market, so you know you are getting a proven vehicle from a manufacturer that has demonstrated capability in the alternative fuel vehicle market.
Starting in 2013, Kia began testing a BEV version of its popular Soul crossover model. When the testing was completed, Kia was able to start rolling these out to customers in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut in time for the 2015 model year. Those first Kia Soul EVs sported an AC synchronous electric motor powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This electric powertrain can produce 109 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque while delivering exceptional fuel economy. The EPA estimated that the 2015 Soul EV could provide 120 MPGe in the city and 92 MPGe on the highway, with a range of 93 miles on a full charge.
A few years earlier, in 2011, Kia began producing the Optima Hybrid. This version of the stylish Kia sedan combined a 2.4-liter I-4 gas engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. As a result, the 2011 Optima Hybrid offered 34 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, significantly higher than the 24 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway provided by the conventional motor on this car. The Optima Hybrid would be joined by a plug-in hybrid version in 2017 that offers easy recharging and improved performance.
As popular tastes changed, so did Kia. This is why Kia introduced the Niro Plug-In Hybrid in time for the 2018 model year. Drivers were shifting their attention to SUVs, making this type of vehicle more popular than ever. Kia took note by offering the 2018 Niro Plug-In Hybrid with a 1.6-liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 gas engine paired with a 60 hp electric motor and 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Kia showed its expertise with the 2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid by providing a vehicle rated for 26 miles of range on electric power only.
In addition, the Kia Soul EV saw its estimated range increase to 111 miles in 2018 and no less than 243 miles in 2020. The Kia Niro joined the Soul in offering a fully EV version of the model for the 2019 model year. The 2019 Niro EV runs on a single electric motor powered by a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving this model an estimated range of 239 miles on a single charge.
Even with all these advances in its existing BEV and hybrid models, Kia kept advancing. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid joined the lineup in 2021, giving drivers a three-row SUV with compact car fuel economy. Kia next debuted its all-new EV6 for the 2022 model year. This fully-electric compact SUV offers a standard 58 kWh battery and an optional 77.4 kWh battery. The EV6 also gives drivers a choice of rear-wheel drive for greater range or all-wheel drive for improved on-road traction.
Today, drivers can choose from a diverse array of Kia EVs, including fully electric options like the EV6 and EV9, as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of popular models like the Sportage and Sorento. In addition, you can also find used examples of these exceptional Kia EVs and hybrids. Our used inventory even includes discontinued vehicles like the Soul EV, Optima Hybrid, and Optima Plug-In Hybrid. No matter which model you choose, you are getting a Kia EV with exceptional fuel economy, solid performance, and excellent reliability.
The Award Winning Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is an electric compact SUV that delivers exceptional power and range in a peppy, easy-to-handle body. It first hit markets in 2021 and has several powertrain options, including single-motor and dual-motor configurations, giving drivers a variety of choices when it comes to efficiency, range, and performance.
In 2022, after just one year on the market, the Kia EV6 won the MotorWeek “Best of the Year” award. This award assessed models based on factors like practicality, price point, and efficiency. The EV6 beat out dozens of other models that were contenders for the title, including gasoline and hybrid models.
The Kia EV6 has head-turning looks with sleek lines that give it a distinctly futuristic aesthetic. Inside, drivers will find a generous array of standard comfort and convenience features, like modern infotainment and advanced driver assist features. Everywhere you look in the dash area, you’ll find large screens that provide pertinent vehicle information and display navigation and entertainment apps.
Drivers love the inspired behind-the-wheel feel. The EV6 is known for heart-stopping acceleration and excellent steering responsiveness. Plus, its extended range means the power to go a little farther before needing to find a charger. The Kia EV6 combines innovative technology with striking design elements, and we know drivers love it.
The Spacious Kia EV9
Drivers who need three rows of spacious seating for a large family or all of their friends and want the power of a BEV can finally have both with the Kia EV9. This electric three-row SUV offers seating for seven. Introduced in 2024 with an estimated range of 300 miles and the ability to reach a nearly full charge in under a half hour at DC fast chargers, it gives large groups the ability to explore the open road without being tethered to gas pumps.
The cabin of the EV9 is remarkably comfortable, with spacious and adjustable seats that even rear-seat passengers will feel spoiled in. In the driver’s area, you’ll find beautiful displays for infotainment and vehicle information purposes. Convenient and well-planned storage compartments are nearly everywhere you look. It’s a road trip-ready model, without question.
Thanks to its available all-wheel drive and high ground clearance, the EV9 is also ready to tackle all sorts of terrain. Don’t hesitate to venture a bit off the beaten path. Plus, its impressive towing capacity means you can rely on the EV9 to take that camper or boat with you to your next adventure.
Drivers can head out with confidence on any journey, thanks to the generous suite of driver assist features. Kia’s outstanding new vehicle warranties will also add peace of mind for drivers who purchase the all-new EV9.
The Affordable Kia Niro EV
The Niro EV is a subcompact SUV. It offers drivers a battery-electric powertrain and easy-to-manage dimensions, all packed into an energetic vehicle with a good driving height and tons of convenient features. Its crossover nature makes it a terrific choice for drivers who are most comfortable with car-like dimensions but want a little extra cargo and passenger space.
The Niro EV is rich with configurable cargo space. Don’t let its subcompact dimensions fool you. You can easily adjust the seating to create more trunk room when you need it. Thanks to heated seats with memory functions, the Niro EV is a vehicle you can get comfortable in for long rides.
Packed with standard driver-assist features, the Niro EV will help you stay aware of what’s happening around your vehicle at all times. Easy-to-use infotainment functions let you listen to music, view navigation, and more on the road. We love to show the Niro EV to customers looking for a vehicle that’s fun to drive, versatile, and remarkably well-priced for a BEV.
We Carry Used EVs From Many Manufacturers
Since Kia has established itself as a leading manufacturer of EVs, many drivers who want one of these new Kia models will often trade in their old EVs that they had bought from different automakers. As a result, we have some great used EVs available from different manufacturers.
Some of the used EVs you can find here at Raceway Kia include the Chevy Bolt EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona EV, Nissan LEAF, and various Tesla models. All of these pre-owned options will give you excellent range and efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, you can replace the gas pump with a much more economical electric plug, saving you time and money in the process.
If you aren’t quite ready to go fully electric with a BEV, you can choose any of a number of used hybrids at our dealership. Some of these have included the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Honda Accord hybrid. While these won’t free you completely from the gas pump, they will help you reduce your gas budget while giving you an enjoyable ride in the process.
As a busy dealership, we cannot guarantee which models will be available on our used lot at any given time, so check our online inventory to see what we currently offer. You are sure to find an excellent assortment of used EVs any time you stop in for a visit.
Welcome to Raceway Kia
We are a family-owned and operated dealership with four generations of experience in the business. Therefore, we stand behind every new and used vehicle we sell. As an official Kia dealership, we offer an unparalleled inventory of new and used Kia models, including the EV6, Niro, and Sportage Plug-In Hybrid. As you browse our inventory, our knowledgeable sales staff will take the time to get to know you and answer all of your questions.
Our goal is to make sure you get the vehicle you want at a price that works for you. This is why our sales team will take the time to give you as many test drives as you want until you know you are getting the right new or used model for you. It is also why our finance team will explore every loan and lease option available to ensure you are getting financing on competitive terms that fit your budget perfectly.
We offer a 24-hour no-obligation test drive, allowing you to try out your next vehicle to make sure it fits your lifestyle. We also offer a three-day exchange policy. If you are not satisfied with the car you just purchased, you can bring it back and exchange it for another one at our dealership.
When it comes time to service your vehicle, our team of trained technicians is standing by to help you. They are trained on all Kia models and have special experience servicing electric vehicles. This will give you the peace of mind that you are getting proper maintenance on your car. What’s more, we offer a one-year Kia maintenance plan for all new Kia's sold. In addition, we provide complimentary alignment checks and safety inspections for the life of your vehicle. These will help you keep your vehicle in top running performance.
