What is NEV?



Over the last few years, electric cars have become more popular with more of them appearing on our roads. Typically, these are referred to as EVs. But there is another term that you may not be familiar with — NEV.

Not to be confused with ‘neighbourhood electric vehicle’, NEV stands for ‘New Energy Vehicle’ and is a term used to describe all types of electric vehicles, from battery-powered fully electric vehicles to plug-in hybrid cars.

BYD is the No.1 NEV Maker, so we’re well placed to explain everything you need to know about NEVs. Below, we’ll take a closer look at different types of NEVs and the benefits of these vehicles.

Types of NEVs
NEV is an all-encompassing term used to describe vehicles that are powered by alternatives to fossil fuels — like electricity. Some of the most common types of NEVs include:
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
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    Battery-electric vehicles are all-electric. They are powered solely by a battery that powers an electric motor to make the car move. This battery is charged externally by plugging the vehicle into a charger installed at your home or in public. Because it doesn’t have an engine, it doesn’t release exhaust emissions into the atmosphere.
Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
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    A PHEV is another type of NEV. Plug-in electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This type of NEV will primarily run on electricity until it runs out of charge. This is when the internal combustion engine will kick in. PHEVs can be charged externally with a home charger or at a public charging station. This type of new energy vehicle is a good option for those who drive longer distances to reduce range anxiety. When the battery runs out, fuel will keep the wheels turning.
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    BYD has developed a hybrid technology unlike any other. Super DM Technology is the driving force behind our PHEVs. It boasts a range of benefits including enhanced driving performance and low fuel consumption. Look for DM or DMi in BYD model names to identify this game-changing hybrid technology.
Types of NEVs
NEV is an all-encompassing term used to describe vehicles that are powered by alternatives to fossil fuels — like electricity. Some of the most common types of NEVs include:
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
  • .
    Battery-electric vehicles are all-electric. They are powered solely by a battery that powers an electric motor to make the car move. This battery is charged externally by plugging the vehicle into a charger installed at your home or in public. Because it doesn’t have an engine, it doesn’t release exhaust emissions into the atmosphere.
Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
  • .
    A PHEV is another type of NEV. Plug-in electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This type of NEV will primarily run on electricity until it runs out of charge. This is when the internal combustion engine will kick in. PHEVs can be charged externally with a home charger or at a public charging station. This type of new energy vehicle is a good option for those who drive longer distances to reduce range anxiety. When the battery runs out, fuel will keep the wheels turning.
  • .
    BYD has developed a hybrid technology unlike any other. Super DM Technology is the driving force behind our PHEVs. It boasts a range of benefits including enhanced driving performance and low fuel consumption. Look for DM or DMi in BYD model names to identify this game-changing hybrid technology.

NEV Benefits
There’s a range of benefits that come with NEVs, resulting in these cars becoming more popular on our roads.
 Environmental impact:

Environmental impact:

  • NEVs can be used to reduce emissions on the road. NEVs including battery-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles all produce less greenhouse gas emissions which can cause air pollution than traditional vehicles.
Energy Efficiency:

Energy Efficiency:

  • NEVs are incredibly energy-efficient, especially BEVs. They are approximately 85-90% efficient compared to an internal combustion engine’s 17-21% efficiency . This means NEVs use less energy for your daily journeys.
Economic benefits:

Economic benefits:

  • NEVs offer drivers a range of economic benefits including costing less to charge your car than to fill up with fuel. Fewer parts in NEVs mean less to spend on upkeep — you won’t have to worry about regular maintenance like oil changes in BEVs.
Advanced technology:

Advanced technology:

  • Many NEVs including BYD electric cars feature some of the most advanced technology to make driving safer and more comfortable. This includes driver assistance tech and internal components like the car’s battery. To learn more about BYD’s industry-leading advancements, explore BYD Super DM Technology for more information.
What’s the difference between NEV and traditional vehicles?
The primary difference between New Energy Vehicles and traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines is the way they are fuelled — NEVs on electricity and ICE cars on petrol or diesel. But there are other factors to consider that set these vehicles apart from each other.




With a range of NEVs to choose from, whether that’s fully electric or hybrid options, new energy vehicles give drivers the option to reduce their carbon footprint in a way that suits their lifestyle.

Discover BYD's NEV models