A guide to the different types of EVs and how to pick the right one for you

Good news: there’s more choice than ever when it comes to EVs. You’re no longer restricted to a few flagship models – there are now over 100 EV models on sale in all shapes and sizes, from handy hatchbacks to stylish saloons.

But, which one is the right choice for you? Use these pointers to find your ideal EV!

It’s not just a case of electric vs hybrid cars – you have a few options when it comes to powering your EV. Here are your choices, in order of ‘most’ to least’ electric.

• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): exclusively powered by a rechargeable electric battery, with no tailpipe emissions.
• Range extended electric vehicles (REEVs): Similar to BEVs, but contain a small petrol/diesel engine to generate electricity and extend the range of the car. This engine does not power the car – it only recharges the battery.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): contain both a petrol/diesel engine and a rechargeable electric battery. Typically complete shorter trips in electric mode, and use the engine to extend the range for longer trips.
• Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): contain both a petrol/diesel engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is used to assist the engine for greater fuel efficiency. The battery is charged by the petrol/diesel engine, rather than plugging into a charging point.
• Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs): similar to HEVs but contain a less powerful electric motor for a small boost in fuel economy.

Building an EV shortlist? Use these questions to narrow down your potential winners.

Range gets a bad rep - you might be picturing constant stops to charge, but that’s far from the reality. Most people with home charging could easily get by with a car that has less than 200 miles of range without it impacting their lifestyle.

These days, most EVs have a real-world range of 200+ miles. And if you’re only doing the odd long-distance road trip every couple of months, you can still make it work with a car that has under 300 miles of range - with a bit of planning. Charging is just a great excuse to stop, grab a coffee, and take a well-earned break before heading off again.

Still unsure? Here's a quick guide:

• Short trips and city driving: Under 200 miles
• Regular mixed driving: 200-300 miles
• Frequent long-distance travel: 300+ miles

Whether you have a driveway, or don’t have a driveway, there’s plenty of ways to charge your EV.

Home charging is the most convenient and cheapest way to charge, when using smart EV tariffs. But you could also rely on public charging, whether that be at the local supermarket, fast food place, or public car park.

Obviously, consider the practicalities first (“it needs space for four people”, “we want all the latest safety features”) but don’t be afraid to add the fun stuff in as well.

Roomy backseats for the kids, plus plenty of storage for schoolbags, muddy sports kits and the like? Top sound system so that you and your friends can enjoy your playlists to the max? Sporty handling and performance so you can have a blast driving it?

There will be plenty of cars that hit your more basic needs – use your more exciting requirements to find a car that’s unmistakably you.

There are lots of resources out there to help you find the right car for you – including our Octopus EV Hub, where we post regular reviews of the latest EVs.

Leasing your EV could save you money whilst offering you the flexibility to keep up with the latest tech as EVs evolve (and they are doing so – fast) – plus leasing packages can come with a bundle of useful extras, such as maintenance, energy discounts, and charging offers to sweeten the deal.

Until recently, EV drivers were limited to just a few models. Not anymore!

Thanks to the amount of research and investment manufacturers have dedicated to the technology, EVs are now just as varied as their petrol/diesel rivals.

The categories below are some of the most common EV body types – but there aren’t necessarily hard boundaries between them. For example, many people would call a four-door coupé a saloon, and there’s no defined industry standard that separates an SUV from a compact SUV.

Still, these body types are a useful way of finding a large group of cars that will likely meet your needs.

Here are a few of the most popular:

Hatchbacks’ defining feature is the boot/rear windscreen combo – these open together via a hinge mounted on the top of the car. Typically the most compact of all car body types, handy hatchbacks are the perfect ‘everyday’ car.

Perfect for: everyday driving, quick trips, commuting

SUV stands for ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’. The practicality they offer is a big draw for families who need a longer range, alongside a roomy cabin with plenty of storage space. SUVs’ cabin height offers airy, luxurious feel on longer journeys, and they tackle tough driving conditions with ease – an ideal pick for rugged countryside driving.

Perfect for: long journeys, family trips away, countryside driving

SUVs with a smaller footprint have been growing in popularity as an alternative to hatchbacks. By keeping the higher cabin height, compact SUVs offer some of the roominess of their larger cousins, whilst being smaller and more maneuverable for urban driving.

Perfect for: comfortable city commuting

Saloons come in many different shapes and sizes. They tend to be defined by two main characteristics – a separate boot that isn’t part of the cabin, and a general ‘premium’ feel with luxurious interiors and sleek external designs.

Perfect for: travelling in style, comfort on longer journeys

Estate cars typically have longer bodies, with a vertical rear window and a large, oblong boot. Whilst roomy and comfortable, ultimately their biggest selling point is space – the boot space they offer is second to none, and being lower to the ground than an SUV makes loading easier.

Perfect for: space, regular travel with lots of luggage/cargo

Luxurious interiors, sporty silhouettes, sharp handling and performance – coupés are all about getting around in style. If you’re looking for a touring car for leisurely road trips, or have no need of lots of room in the back, coupés are stylish, sophisticated and lots of fun to drive.

Perfect for: touring, romantic getaways

Enter Intelligent EV - the smarter, easier way to get an electric car. With Intelligent EV you get: 

• Smart charging - save money at home and on the road with exclusive discounts on Electroverse and Octopus Energy’s smart tariffs.
• Servicing and maintenance - we’ll keep your car in top shape with servicing and maintenance included.
• Extra Octopus perks - save £500 on heat pumps and solar panels with Octopus energy and slash your energy bills further (plus more goodies when your car is delivered) - getting you that one step closer to that low-carbon home.