About Electric Powertrains in Port Charlotte, FL

Electric Vehicle Powertrains 101

Electrified vehicles come in three different categories and each category’s powertrains have different characteristics that require drivers to adjust their driving and maintenance habits. We’re going over everything you need to know about EV powertrains to successfully care for your electrified vehicle.

EV Batteries

There are three basic terms every EV driver should know about – electric vehicle battery, regenerative braking, and battery lifespan. These are important factors in your EV ownership experience. EV batteries are an important component of your electric vehicle’s powertrain. Depending on the type of EV, a battery or set or batteries will replace or augment the gas tank that fuels conventional vehicles. They are much larger than standard car batteries and the technology inside them is far more advanced. They have a higher capacity as well, and their capacity directly affects their driving range. Capacity is measured in kilowatt hours often abbreviated as kWh. When you’re shopping for an electric vehicle make sure to compare the battery capacity and range.

EV Motors

In EV powertrains, motors replace traditional engines, and they are usually paired with a single-speed transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a multi-speed transmission. Like a gas-powered engine, an electric motor’s power production is measured in horsepower and lb-ft or torque. These numbers will give you a rough estimate of the vehicle's acceleration speed, top-speed, and even towing power.

EV Types

There are three main types of EVs. A brief description of each is listed below.

• Electric (BEV): Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are all-electric. Their powertrains consist of only electric motors and battery packs. They don’t produce tailpipe emissions and they don’t require gas. They gain power exclusively from being recharged at home or at a charging station.
• Hybrid (HEV): Hybrid Electric Vehicles have a powertrain that consists of an engine, a transmission, a small battery, and is also powered by a fuel tank. The battery gains energy from regenerative braking and is not a plug-in to charge. They do not have electric-only driving modes and still require regular trips to the gas pump.
• Plug-in Hybrid: PHEVs have a powertrain that is similar to an HEV, but has a larger battery pack, can be plugged in to charge like a BEV, and has an electric-only driving mode that usually has a range of 30 to 40 miles. These vehicles can use both electric energy and energy derived from gasoline.

For more information about the pros and cons of each electrified powertrain check out our guide to electric vehicle types. You can also explore our guide to EV charging. Mazda currently offers two electrified vehicle options – the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV and the Mazda CX-70 PHEV. Both models are PHEVs that allow you to use electricity when you want to and gasoline when you need to. Visit Mazda of Port Charlotte to discover everything they have to offer.