Battery electric vehicles rely solely on electric motors for propulsion. They derive their electricity primarily from charging points and store it in battery packs. The key benefits of electric vehicles are that they emit no emissions, they run silently, offer nimble dynamics, and servicing them is not so complex.

What makes plug-in hybrid vehicles different from BEVs is that they combine a classic internal combustion engine with an electric motor which can be recharged from an electrical outlet. Even the PHEV can be driven in pure electric mode, but the range is limited to 50 to 70 kilometres. The result is low fuel consumption and a quiet electric drive, especially around the city.

The combustion part of the powertrain is based on standard car engines; unlike them, however, the alternator is replaced by an electric motor that also works in generator mode and a 48V li-ion battery. The electric motor boosts overall performance, mainly at lower revs, which results in reduced fuel consumption.