Different types of electric vehicles
There are four main types of electric cars - each uses electricity as a power source in some way.
Hybrids (HEV) and Mild Hybrids (MEV)
Hybrids and Mild Hybrids both have batteries alongside a conventional fuel engine. Both don't need to be plugged in to charge, but use less fuel - a full hybrid uses about 30% less fuel than traditional fuel-powered vehicles.
Hybrids run primarily on conventional fuel, but consume electricity when stopped or driven slowly. A full hybrid has a larger battery and can be driven purely electrically for short distances.
Mild hybrids have a smaller battery than a hybrid, making the petrol or diesel engine more economical. The car cannot drive on electricity alone, not even when stationary.
HEV | MEV |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle |
| Don't need cables | Don't need cables |
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
There are two types of electric vehicles that need to be plugged into an outlet to charge: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Like a full hybrid, PHEVs have a conventional motor and an electric battery. But they have larger batteries that can power the vehicle for longer distances without diesel or petrol - up to about 50 kilometers. The larger battery means they have to be plugged into an outlet to charge.
A BEV runs entirely on electricity. As a result, its emissions are far lower than a conventional or even a hybrid or PHEV. Almost all recently manufactured electric cars can go 200 kilometers on a full charge. Many have a range of over 300 kilometers, and some can go over 450 kilometers before needing a charge.
PHEV | BEV |
|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle | Battery Electric Vehicle |
| Need charging cables | Need charging cables |
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) require a charging cable
The cable type depends on where you want to charge:
On the go
At work
At home
At destination
Example charging times for single phase AC power supplies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery size | 16 A (phase 1) EV charging cable max. output 3.6kWH | 32 A (phase 1) EV charging cable max. output 7.2kWH |
| 30kWH | 8 hours | 4 hours |
| 60kWH | 16 hours | 8 hours |
| 90kWH | 24 hours | 12 hours |
| OSRAM EV Cables | BATTERYcharge 5PIN | 1PHASE | 16 AMP OCC11605 BATTERYcharge 7PIN | 1PHASE | 16 AMP OCC21605 | BATTERYcharge 5PIN | 1PHASE | 32 AMP OCC13205 BATTERYcharge 7PIN | 1PHASE | 32 AMP OCC23205 |
Example charging times for single phase and three phase AC power supplies | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery size | 16 A (phase 1) EV charging cable max. output 3.6kWH | 32 A (phase 1) EV charging cable max. output 7.2kWH | 32 A (phase 3) EV charging cable max. output 7.2kWH |
| 30kWH | 8 hours | 4 hours | 1.5 hours |
| 60kWH | 16 hours | 8 hours | 3 hours |
| 90kWH | 24 hours | 12 hours | 4.5 hours |
| OSRAM EV Cables | BATTERYcharge 5PIN | 1PHASE | 16 AMP OCC11605 BATTERYcharge 7PIN | 1PHASE | 16 AMP OCC21605 | BATTERYcharge 5PIN | 1PHASE | 32 AMP OCC13205 BATTERYcharge 7PIN | 1PHASE | 32 AMP OCC23205 | BATTERYcharge 7PIN | 3PHASE | 32 AMP OCC23P05 |
Charge when you're on the go
There are now plenty electric car charging points across the country. Many of these offer fast charging with three-phase power supplies. Typically any charging station above 22kW is direct powered (DC) which has an additional 2-pin plug that will work with your car plug. Most DC charging points have tethered cables. Your car's Battery Management System (BMS) determines whether your car can use the various fast charging options. OSRAM's range of EV cables covers all electric/hybrid vehicles and is durable and waterproof to withstand all weather and road conditions. They are designed for AC charging up to 22kW. It's important to choose the right cable to take advantage of faster charging speeds depending on where you plan to charge your vehicle.