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As global calls for sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency grow, the automotive industry is accelerating its transition to electrification. Guangzhou Automobile Group is among them and has a deep understanding of this trend, especially in the vibrant Hong Kong market. At present, electric vehicles are no longer the choice of a few people, but an important force that is rising rapidly. In recent years, the Hong Kong government has vigorously promoted the popularization of electric vehicles, and has even introduced tax incentives such as the "one for one" scheme. As of the end of April 2025, the number of electric vehicles in Hong Kong has reached approximately 119,000, accounting for approximately 13.1% of all vehicles. [1] This shows the increasing popularity of electric vehicles in Hong Kong, and it also raises the concern of many drivers: What are PHEV (PHEV) and BEV (BEV)? What are the key differences between PHEV and BEV? Which one is better for your needs?
PHEV vs BEV: Deeply interpret and understand
To make an informed choice, you must first understand the core features and basic working principles of the following two:
1. Basic operating principles
PHEV combines a smaller-capacity battery with a conventional fuel-fired internal combustion engine. It can travel about 25 to 60 miles (about 40 to 97 kilometers) in pure electric mode and is suitable for short-distance daily commuting. When the battery is exhausted, the gasoline engine will automatically start, extending the battery range and reducing battery life anxiety. For example, the GAC E9 belongs to this type of car.
BEVs rely entirely on battery power, without an internal combustion engine, fuel tank, or exhaust pipe, and achieve zero emissions during driving. Such vehicles are equipped with large-capacity batteries and one or more electric motors and usually have a long battery life, such as models such as AION Y Plus, AION V, and Hyptec HT.
2. Charging method
PHEV's charging method is very flexible, either using standard household sockets, which are suitable for slow charging at home, or faster charging through faster household charging piles. In addition, the PHEV can also use the kinetic energy recovery system to recharge the battery while driving to improve energy efficiency.
Pure electric vehicles rely entirely on external power sources for charging and are mainly divided into three levels:
- Level 1 (standard 120V household socket): the slowest charging speed, suitable for overnight slow charging;
- Level 2 (240V AC): Fast charging speed, common in homes, offices and public charging stations, is the mainstream charging method in Hong Kong;
- Level 3 (DC fast charging): It can be largely charged in about one hour, suitable for quickly replenishing power during long-distance driving.
Hong Kong's public charging networks, such as CLP CLP, HK Electric and E-Charge, all provide different levels of charging services to facilitate car owners' choiceS. [2]
3. Pure Electric Range
PHEV’s pure electric range can usually cover daily commuting needs, generally about 25 to 60 miles (about 40 to 97 kilometers). For example, when driving at low speeds during morning and evening peak hours in urban Hong Kong, the PHEV can be driven entirely by electric motors, and the internal combustion engine will not start to achieve zero-emission pure electric driving. The pure electric range of some advanced models, such as the new GAC E9, can even reach 106 kilometers, further enhancing the electrification experience for daily use.
In contrast, the battery life of pure electric vehicles is much higher than that of PHEV, and many models can travel hundreds of kilometers on a single charge, which is enough to meet most driving needs in Hong Kong and surrounding areas. For example, the standard version of GAC AION Y Plus has a battery life of about 430 kilometers, the Hyptec HT has about 600 kilometers, and the AION V has a battery life of 650 kilometers. These pure electric models not only achieve zero emissions, but also demonstrate strong battery life and intelligent charging technology.
4. Maintenance
The maintenance of PHEV combines the maintenance needs of traditional cars and electric vehicles, so it is relatively complex and costly. Because it has both a fuel internal combustion engine and an electric power system, PHEV not only needs to regularly change oil and spark plugs and repair the exhaust system but also needs to check the condition of electric components such as batteries, electric motors, and control modules.
In contrast, pure electric vehicles have a simpler structure, do not have engine oil, spark plugs, and other internal combustion engine-related parts, and have lower maintenance costs. The kinetic energy recovery system reduces wear on traditional brake pads and reduces maintenance frequency. However, since pure electric vehicles usually have a heavy weight and strong instantaneous torque, tires may wear quickly and require regular inspection and replacement.
5. Other
PHEV’s biggest advantage is that it eliminates battery life anxiety because its gasoline engine can be used as backup power for long distances or when charging is inconvenient, so drivers don't have to worry about interrupting the trip due to battery exhaustion. In addition, its car purchase cost is usually lower than that of pure electric vehicles, making it more attractive to users with limited budgets. However, when gasoline is used, emissions will still be produced, and it is necessary to rely on two energy sources at the same time.
Pure electric vehicles achieve zero emissions during driving, which fully meets the increasingly stringent global environmental protection goals and contributes more to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In terms of driving experience, pure electric vehicles provide a smoother, quieter and instant torque output experience, enhancing driving pleasure. However, the cost of purchasing a car is high, and long-distance travel requires charging planning in advance. However, with the rapid expansion of Hong Kong's charging network, this restriction is gradually decreasing.
Considerations for choosing PHEV or BEV
When choosing PHEV or pure electric vehicles in the Hong Kong market, a number of practical factors need to be comprehensively considered:
1. Environmental Goals
If you are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting zero-emission transportation, pure electric vehicles are the best choice because they have no exhaust emissions during driving, helping Hong Kong achieve its net-zero carbon emissions 2050 goal. If you want to gradually transition and enjoy partial electric driving while retaining fuel flexibility, PHEV has been able to effectively reduce emissions compared with traditional fuel vehicles.
2. Usage scenarios
Please choose according to your daily driving habits. If the commuting distance is short and charging at home or work is convenient, pure electric vehicles can give full play to the advantages of pure electric vehicles and achieve low-carbon travel. If you often need to drive long distances or live in areas with fewer charging facilities, such as some rural areas in the New Territories, PHEV provides a more flexible battery life guarantee.
3. Charging convenience
Hong Kong's public charging network is expanding rapidly. At present, there are many public and private charging stations covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and major areas in the New Territories. However, users who live in apartment buildings without dedicated parking spaces still have limited charging convenience and rely more on public charging facilities. In contrast, PHEV is less dependent on the charging network, because the fuel engine can be used as backup power to reduce the charging pressure.
GAC's BEV vision in Hong Kong
GAC Group is well aware of the growing demand for pure electric vehicles in the Hong Kong market, so we are committed to developing innovative and high-quality pure electric vehicles to meet the diverse needs of consumers. AION Y Plus is the embodiment of our commitment.
AION Y Plus is a new trendy pure electric SUV built on the GAC GEP 2.0 pure electric platform with a wheelbase of 2750mm, ensuring spacious and comfortable interior space. Its magazine battery technology offers excellent safety and durability, and remains stable even at high temperatures exceeding 1400 °C. AION Y Plus also supports DC fast charging, which can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 34 minutes, greatly shortening the charging waiting time.
In addition, AION Y Plus is equipped with advanced safety and intelligent systems, such as automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure warning, etc., to bring a better driving experience to Hong Kong consumers who pursue practicality and technology. In addition, it provides a variety of battery capacity options with a maximum cruising range of up to 600 kilometers, fully meeting the daily commuting and holiday travel needs of Hong Kong and surrounding areas.
Conclusion
Choosing PHEV or BEV ultimately depends on personal preference, usage scenarios and charging convenience. Pure electric vehicles are suitable for users who pursue zero emissions and low maintenance costs, while PHEV provides greater flexibility and long battery life for diverse driving needs.
As the Hong Kong market rapidly moves towards electrification, GAC Group uses its professional knowledge and innovative pure electric models to meet the changing needs of Hong Kong drivers. With many years of experience in electric vehicles, GAC is committed to jointly creating a cleaner and more sustainable future with advanced electric travel solutions. By choosing GAC cars, you will enjoy a driving experience that combines cutting-edge technology, reliability and green commitment.
References
- https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/promotion_ev/promotion_ev.html
- https://www.kilowatt.hk/news/2873-%E9%9B%BB%E5%8B%95%E8%BB%8A%E5%85%85%E9%9B%BB%E6%87%B6%E4%BA%BA%E5%8C%85%EF%BC%8C%E5%85%85%E9%9B%BB%E7%A6%AE%E5%84%80%E3%80%81%E5%85%85%E9%9B%BB%E7%AB%99%E7%B0%A1%E4%BB%8B%E3%80%81%E5%85%85%E9%9B%BB