Types of Electric Vehicles & Hybrids in India - Detailed Comparison

Author: Abhinand Venugopal•Published on: 1/7/2026•6 Minutes
Overview:India is steadily shifting towards cleaner and greener transport. Electric vehicles or EVs are becoming common than ever before, across a wide price range. This change is driven by supportive government policies, higher fuel prices and growing awareness of environmental issues. Yet, not all EVs are alike. They come in different types with distinct technologies and purposes. Electric vehicles use electricity as their primary or partial source of power. They either run entirely on batteries or combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. Let us explore the four main types of electrified automobiles, alongside examples on the Indian market (if applicable):
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Key Highlights:


  • Unlike a few years ago, almost all major Indian roads and cities support EV adoption today.
  • Though unavailable now, range extenders could be the next bet among Indian car manufacturers.
  • HEVs offer the best flexibility for a first-time EV user.



Battery Electric Vehicles or BEVs


Battery Electric Vehicles are what the general audience refers to as ‘EVs’. They do not have a petrol or diesel engine. Instead, they use large battery packs and one or more electric motors. You plug them into a charger to recharge the battery. BEVs are suitable for city driving and for people who have easy access to home or public charging.

  • Popular examples: Tata Nexon EV, MG Comet, Mahindra BE 6.
  • Advantages: No tailpipe emissions, low running cost, quiet drive, fewer moving parts and hence, lesser maintenance.
  • Disadvantages: Higher purchase price compared to equivalent ICE products, limited charging stations in some areas, longer charging times compared to refuelling.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles or HEVs


Hybrid Electric Vehicles use both a petrol engine and an electric motor. The battery charges itself when you drive, using regenerative braking and the engine. They cannot be plugged in. HEVs are ideal for those who prefer fuel economy and lower emissions but do not want to worry about charging.

  • Examples in India: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid, Honda City ‘e:HEV’.
  • Advantages: Better fuel efficiency compared to pure petrol cars, no need to plug in, smooth driving experience.
  • Disadvantages: Costlier than normal petrol cars, smaller pure-electric drive range, less powerful electric mode.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles or PHEVs


Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are similar to HEVs but come with a larger battery pack. You can charge the electric powertrain separately using a plug point. They can run only on electricity for a certain distance (significantly more than HEVs) before the engine takes over.

  • Popular examples worldwide: Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Volvo XC90 Recharge, Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid.
  • Advantages: Can be used as an EV for short trips, petrol engine gives backup for long trips, and lower fuel cost if charged regularly.
  • Disadvantages: Limited availability in India, higher price than regular hybrids, need for charging access, more complex in terms of maintenance and engineering.

Range Extender Electric Vehicles


A Range Extender EV is mainly an electric car but comes with a small petrol engine that works only to charge the battery. The wheels are driven by the electric motor, or in other words, the engine does not directly power the car. Range extenders act as a bridge for people who want full electric driving but still need backup for longer distances.

  • Popular examples worldwide: BMW i3 REx, Mazda MX-30 R-EV, RAM 1500 Ramcharger.
  • Advantages: Longer driving range than a pure BEV, no range anxiety as long as fuel is available.
  • Disadvantages: Higher price, added complexity compared to BEVs, driving characteristics may seem odd at first (engine turns on depending on battery charge and not throttle input).

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles or FCEVs


Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles use hydrogen as fuel. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell to produce electricity, which then powers the motor. Only water vapour comes out of the exhaust. In India, FCEVs are in early testing phases, with very limited supporting infrastructure.

  • Popular examples worldwide: Toyota Mirai (introduced in India), Hyundai Nexo, Honda CR-V ‘e:FCEV’.
  • Advantages: Zero emissions, quick refuelling, longer range.
  • Disadvantages: High cost, limited choices, lack of hydrogen filling stations in developing countries.

A Quick Comparison


BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles)

  • Power Source: Battery only
  • Charging: Requires plug-in charging
  • Electric-only Range: High (100–500 km depending on model)
  • Fuel Use: No fuel used
  • Availability in India: Several options
  • Ideal Use: Any city or highway with ample charging support

HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles)

  • Power Source: Petrol engine plus a small electric powertrain
  • Charging: No external charging
  • Electric-only Range: Very low (15–50 km only)
  • Fuel Use: Actively uses fuel alongside
  • Availability in India: Many options, but fewer than BEVs
  • Ideal Use: Everyday users who want fuel savings

PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles)

  • Power Source: Petrol engine plus larger electric powertrain
  • Charging: Can be plugged in
  • Electric-only Range: Medium (40–100 km)
  • Fuel Use: Uses fuel only after the electric range almost ends
  • Availability in India: Very limited
  • Ideal Use: Users who predominantly travel short distances, but have the flexibility for trouble-free long journeys

Range Extenders

  • Power Source: Electric powertrain plus a small engine used only for charging
  • Charging: Some models offer plug-in charging
  • Electric-only Range: Medium to high, depending on battery capacity
  • Fuel Use: Uses a small amount of fuel to recharge the battery
  • Availability in India: Almost none (some Indian products are in development)
  • Ideal Use: Individuals who want BEV driving feel with minimal range anxiety

What the Future Potentially Holds


India is still developing its charging network. Full BEVs are growing in popularity because of government subsidies and rising fuel prices. Hybrids are gaining traction because they offer better overall driving range without having to plan out every charging stop in a long trip. PHEVs and Range Extenders are rare because they require more upfront costs and higher maintenance. Fuel cell cars may take many years to become common.


A full ban on ICE-powered vehicles is unlikely, but the worldwide move towards large-scale electrification is certain. In India, many state governments and cities are slowly limiting the sale of ICE vehicles, especially private diesel cars. Lower running costs, government support, advanced technology and less harm to the environment make EVs very attractive. As charging networks and battery technology improve, the difference between electric and internal combustion vehicles will continue to favour fully electric or hybrid options.


FAQs


1. What makes Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) different?
PHEVs have larger batteries than HEVs and can be charged using an external source. They can run a certain distance only on electric power before switching to petrol or diesel.


2. Which type of EV is most common in India right now?
BEVs are becoming the most popular, especially in two-wheelers and compact cars, while HEVs are also seeing growth in premium segments.


3. Are hybrids as eco-friendly as pure EVs?
No, hybrids still use fuel and release emissions, but they are cleaner than conventional vehicles. BEVs have zero tailpipe emissions.


4. Which EV type is best for city driving?
BEVs are best for short daily commutes in the city, while HEVs or PHEVs suit those who also need to travel longer distances.


5. Which EV type is best for the future of India?
BEVs are expected to lead because they align with government policies for zero-emission mobility, though hybrids will remain useful during the transition.