What describes a plug-in electric vehicle that operates on batteries until almost empty, then switches to an internal combustion engine?

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is designed to primarily use electric power from its batteries for driving, ensuring efficient energy usage and lower emissions. When the battery charge drops to a certain level, the vehicle seamlessly transitions to an internal combustion engine, which provides additional range and power. This dual powertrain capability allows for flexibility in fuel use, making PHEVs suitable for both short trips and longer journeys without the range anxiety associated with purely electric vehicles.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), on the other hand, rely solely on electricity stored in batteries and do not have an internal combustion engine. Options stating that all electric vehicles have this capability or that no current vehicles possess it misstate the characteristics of electric vehicles and their variations in design. The PHEV's unique ability to switch between electric and combustion power is what distinguishes it and makes the description accurate.