Electric Vehicle Basics

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle

Most vehicles on the road today are still powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by gasoline or diesel. Diesel vehicles, mostly trucks, can use B20 which includes 20 percent biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel or in some cases 100 percent biodiesel.

Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)

A hybrid electric vehicle has an internal combustion engine and an electric motor; only one of which directly powers the vehicle at one time. The battery is recharged by the ICE and a regenerative braking system. All the energy is provided by gasoline; there is no plug. Popular makes/models include the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and Ford Escape. Hawaiian Electric has hybrids in its fleets.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is similar to an HEV but the battery is larger can be recharged from an external source such as an outlet or a charging station. Information about charging a PHEV can be found in our charging basics section below. A plug-in hybrid (also called an Extended Range Electric Vehicle or EREV) operates as an electric vehicle or as a hybrid. When operating as an electric vehicle, power comes exclusively from the battery. As the battery is depleted, the gasoline-powered ICE automatically starts. Regenerative braking still contributes to recharging the battery. Hawaiian Electric has PHEVs in its fleets.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

A battery-electric vehicle is powered entirely by electricity stored in its battery. A BEV must be plugged into an external power source to charge the battery. More info about charging a BEV can be found in our charging basics section below.

The typical range of early-model BEVs with a full charge was about 80 miles, but varied with driving conditions and model. 

Taking advantage of TOU rates and charging during lowest priced hours, the EV charging cost could drop to approximately 5 cents per mile. Hawaiian Electric currently has two models of BEVs in its fleets.

Level 1

Level 1 generally plugs into a standard 120 volt electric wall outlet, and requires up to 12 amps. A portable Level 1 "cord set" comes with most EVs. One end of the "cord set" plugs into a standard outlet and the other end plugs into the vehicle. The outlet must be a 3-prong, grounded outlet. Many EV drivers charge Level 1 at home. This type of charging can provide about 5 additional miles of EV range for every hour charged.

Level 2

Level 2 generally supplies 208 to 240 volt power up to 80 amps. Level 2 charge station enables quicker charging. Due to the electrical requirements, a licensed electrician is usually needed to install a Level 2 charger. Some EV drivers choose to have a Level 2 charge station installed at home. These are also found in many parking lots. A Level 2 charge station can add 12 to 25 additional miles of EV range for every hour charged, depending upon the EV model and the charging station.

DC Fast Charging

Many BEVs have an inlet for DC fast charging as standard equipment or as an option. The electric vehicle controls the total amount of energy which can be taken in one charge session. A Nissan Leaf can fast charge from empty to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Cost and electrical requirements make fast chargers suitable only for public settings.

There are currently two DC fast charging standards: CHAdeMO and CCS. Many DC fast charging stations, such as those operated by Hawaiian Electric, support both standards. Although the charging station has two cords, one for each standard, it can charge only one EV at a time, much as a gasoline pump provides unleaded or diesel fuel, but only to one vehicle at a time.

Note: to maintain battery specifications, some EVs will terminate a DC fast charge session before the battery is full.

*Tesla uses a proprietary charging system. Tesla BEVs may use Level 2 or CHAdeMO fast charging stations with a Tesla adaptor.