There are three main types of electric vehicles (EVs), classed by the degree that electricity is used as their energy source. BEVs, or battery electric vehicles, PHEVs of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles.

Only BEVs are capable of charging on a level 3, DC fast charge.

Battery Electric Vehicles

BEVs use a battery to store the electric energy that powers the motor. Plugging the vehicle into an electric power source charges BEV batteries. BEVs are sometimes referred to simply as electric vehicles (EVs). 

Plug-in Electric Vehicle

PEV is any vehicle that runs at least partially on battery power and the battery of which can be recharged from the electricity grid. In California, the term PEVs includes both BEVs and PHEVs. 

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

PHEVs are powered by a battery which can be recharged by plugging it into an external source but which also incorporate a combustion engine to power the vehicle when the battery is depleted. 

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Hybrid Electric Vehicles

HEV are primarily powered by an internal combustion engine that runs on conventional or alternative fuel, and an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine and is not plugged in to charge.