An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle driven by one or more electric motors, using energy stored in a battery rather than fuel burned in an engine.
How it works
A battery pack stores direct current. An inverter converts it to alternating current for the motor, and a controller regulates power delivery. Regenerative braking reverses the motor during deceleration, returning part of the kinetic energy to the battery.
Because an electric motor produces full torque from a standstill and has far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine, EVs are mechanically simpler and require less routine maintenance.
Batteries
Most current vehicles use lithium-ion cells. The important parameters are:
- capacity (kWh), which largely determines range;
- charging rate, which determines how long a stop takes;
- degradation, the gradual loss of capacity over years and charge cycles;
- temperature sensitivity — both cold and extreme heat reduce performance.
Charging
Charging speed depends on the power delivered. A household socket may take many hours; a dedicated home charger typically works overnight; high-power public chargers can add a large share of range in tens of minutes. Charging speed is not linear — it slows significantly as the battery approaches full.
Environmental balance
An EV produces no exhaust emissions while driving, but its total impact depends on two factors: how the electricity is generated, and the footprint of battery manufacturing. In grids dominated by fossil generation the advantage narrows; as grids decarbonise, it widens. Battery recycling is becoming a significant part of this equation.
Practical considerations
For most drivers the decisive questions are charging access at home or work, typical daily distance, and climate. Long-distance driving in cold weather remains the least favourable case.