What does BEV stand for in electric-vehicle terminology?

BEV stands for battery electric vehicle, a vehicle powered solely by electricity stored in a rechargeable battery.

Unlike a hybrid electric vehicle, a BEV has no internal-combustion engine as a second propulsion source. Electricity from the battery powers one or more electric motors through power electronics, while regenerative braking can recover some energy during deceleration.

BEVs are charged from an external electricity supply. Charging may use household AC power, dedicated AC equipment, or high-power DC equipment. The charging time depends on battery size, charger output, temperature, and the vehicle’s charging system.

The term helps distinguish fully electric vehicles from plug-in hybrids, which can drive electrically but also contain a combustion engine. “EV” is often used informally for BEVs, although it can also refer more broadly to several types of electrified vehicles.