Electric Vehicles, or EVs for short, are powered by an electric motor and rely on electricity to drive. The energy source for this electricity may be a battery (battery electric vehicle), solar panel (solar vehicle) or fuel cell (fuel cell vehicles).

EVs offer several benefits over traditional gas-powered cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles, such as lower ownership costs and operating costs. Additionally, EVs emit zero tailpipe emissions, which helps improve air quality, reducing health-harming particulate matter that causes tens of thousands of premature deaths in the United States each year.

An electric vehicle’s powertrain includes the batteries, traction motor and controller that transform electrical energy into motive force to propel the car. The power-to-weight ratio of an EV is much higher than that of conventional vehicles, making them more responsive to inputs such as accelerating or decelerating. This gives EVs a lot of zip and makes them fun to drive, particularly on the highway.

The battery in an EV is a vital component of its driving range and charging capabilities, and the battery itself can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, so it’s not a disposable product. Depending on its type, an EV’s battery can hold anywhere from 1–300 miles of charge between refills. The electric motor provides instant torque, allowing drivers to accelerate rapidly from a stop or when passing other vehicles on the freeway.

Using an electric motor also means that an EV does not require oil, which reduces maintenance and operating costs. In addition, regenerative brakes put braking energy back into the vehicle’s battery or back into the electrical grid, adding to a vehicle’s efficiency.

As more and more automakers bring high-quality EVs to market, consumers have more options than ever. Whether you want a family-friendly sedan that holds more cargo or a performance vehicle that delivers thrilling acceleration, there’s an EV for every driver. Many EVs also qualify for rebates and incentives that can help keep long-term costs low, and owners often receive access to HOV lanes.

A growing number of companies produce EVs and related equipment, and industry standards ensure that their products will work together seamlessly. By setting technical specifications, safety guidelines and communication protocols, standards facilitate a healthy competitive marketplace for new transportation technology.

EVs can be charged at home or at standard public charge points, and most have a charging cable that plugs into the EV’s socket. Some EVs, such as those powered by a fuel cell, can be charged at hydrogen refueling stations, although these facilities are still fairly rare. The production of an EV’s battery does generate carbon dioxide, but this impact can be mitigated by choosing a lithium-ion model that uses renewable energy to produce the raw materials.