Which type of electric vehicle is typically known for higher emissions due to its dual propulsion sources?

The Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is known for having higher emissions primarily due to its dual propulsion sources, which include both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Unlike Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) that operate solely on electric energy and produce no tailpipe emissions, HEVs have to rely on their gasoline engines for power in certain situations, especially when the electric battery is depleted or when more power is required, such as during rapid acceleration.

This dual-system setup means that HEVs can emit pollutants associated with traditional gasoline engines, contributing to greater overall emissions compared to fully electric vehicles. While Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) can also operate in a hybrid mode, their larger battery capacity allows for extended all-electric driving ranges and, when used effectively, they can operate more frequently on electric power alone than traditional HEVs, potentially leading to reduced emissions overall.

In summary, the hybrid nature of HEVs, which combines both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, directly contributes to their higher emissions, distinguishing them from fully electric options.