What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
The definition of an electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws power from rechargeable batteries. Fully electric vehicles, known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), do not have a gasoline engine and rely solely on a battery pack that is recharged from electrical grid power sources. EVs that use both an electric motor powered by a battery and an internal combustion engine are referred to as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs run on electricity stored in the battery and switch to the gasoline engine when needed.
Worldwide, electric vehicles account for around 18% of all cars sold in 2023, driven in part by policies, regulations, and lifestyles aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. BEVs produce no direct tailpipe emissions, but overall GHG impact depends on the source of electricity used for charging.
Key Takeaways
- Electric vehicles account for around 18% of all cars sold in 2023.
- Fully electric vehicles, known as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), do not have a gasoline engine.
- Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in all-electric vehicles.
- Regenerative braking systems capture energy during braking to recharge the battery.
- Compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs generally produce fewer GHG emissions.
How Does an Electric Vehicle Work?
What are electric cars, and how do they work? EVs store energy in a battery pack that powers the electric motor, which moves the wheels. The battery is rechargeable and is connected to a charging station to receive energy. In simple terms, think of the electricity as the fuel, the rechargeable battery as the fuel tank, and the electric motor as the engine. Instead of pumping gas to power the vehicle, the battery is recharged using electricity.
EVs use lithium-ion batteries – the same type of batteries that power today’s smartphones and laptops, only much larger. These batteries need to provide adequate range, meaning they must store enough energy to allow the car to travel long distances before it needs to be recharged.
To recharge the battery, a charge plug connects the car’s charge port to an external power source, converting the electricity into a usable format. EVs can be charged using AC (alternating current) from a regular home outlet or DC (direct current) used at fast charging stations.
Key Components of an Electric Car
Types of Electric Vehicles
Types of electric cars include the following:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
- Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
- Solar Electric Vehicles (SEVs)
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
- Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV)
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
EV Charging
Fully electric BEVs require electricity to charge the battery. Chargers are classified according to the time it takes to recharge the battery and the type of chargers.
- Level 1 charging uses a regular 120 V outlet.
- Level 2 is a 240 V charger, typically found in parking lots and workplaces, although some EV owners may install a Level 2 system at home.
- What is fast charging for EVs? This is a Level 3, and it uses direct current (DC) to charge the battery much faster than using an electrical outlet. This type of charging is found at commercial charging stations and typically requires payment to use.
Different Types of EV Chargers
Level 1 EV charger (AC) | Level 2 EV charger (AC) | Level 3 EV charger (DC) |
---|---|---|
Uses a standard 120V charger | Uses 240V charger | Uses DC fast charger (480V) |
Can be plugged into a regular household outlet | Often installed at home, in parking lots, and workplaces | Primarily located at public charging stations. |
Adds about 6-8 km (4-5 miles) of range per hour of charging | Adds about 16-48 km (10-30 miles) of range per hour of charging | Adds up to 32 km (20 miles) of range per minute charged (or 250+ km of range per hour of charging) |
Takes about 24 hours to fully charge | Can fully charge in 4-10 hours (typically overnight) | Can fully charge in 20 minutes to 1 hour |
Most accessible option, but very slow for daily or long-distance use | Practical for daily charging | Typically used while traveling, not commonly used at home due to infrastructure and cost |
Pros and Cons of EVs
- EVs generally produce fewer GHG emissions
- Lower maintenance costs
- No tailpipe emissions
- Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery
- Battery range may vary and degrade over time
- Charging infrastructure varies by region
- Higher upfront costs
- Shorter driving range compared to gas vehicles
Future of EVs
The future of EVs plays an important role in meeting global zero-emission targets, with further growth projected worldwide. According to an EV Volumes report, the number of EVs in operation worldwide reached 40 million by the end of 2023.
Three emerging technologies in EVs include:
The Bottom Line
The electric vehicles definition is an electric vehicle, powered by an electric motor using rechargeable batteries. EVs generally produce fewer GHG emissions and contribute to global sustainability efforts. Many countries encourage the phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles through regulations and incentives to promote consumer adoption of emission-free cars.
Fully electric vehicles eliminate tailpipe emissions and rely solely on rechargeable batteries, while plug-in hybrids combine battery power with a gasoline engine. As of 2023, EVs made up 18% of global car sales. Emerging technologies, such as inductive wireless charging, ultra-fast chargers, and solid-state batteries, are making EVs more efficient and safe for consumers.