An electric vehicle (EV) is a car, truck or van that uses an electric motor to power its wheels rather than a conventional internal-combustion engine. This allows the vehicle to drive with zero emissions, and to recharge its battery using electricity from a plug-in charging station or directly from the electric grid.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) operate quietly, emitting no harmful tailpipe gases and reducing noise pollution in cities. Their energy-efficient electric motors also require less maintenance than ICE engines and operate more efficiently. The batteries can even act as energy storage devices, allowing them to be integrated into the electricity grid when not in use.
Electric vehicles are a powerful tool for tackling climate change. They help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce air pollution, but they can’t solve the problem alone. To make EVs truly sustainable, they must be considered as part of the full life cycle—from manufacturing to driving to recharging and disposal.
In some countries, government incentives can offset the higher cost of an EV and encourage drivers to buy them. And as technology advances, EVs have become more affordable and easier to drive than ever before. But the range of EVs and their limited availability of public charging stations remain concerns for some prospective owners. Fortunately, scientists are working to increase the driving range and public charging networks are growing in number and reach. The key to maximizing an EV’s range is driving at moderate speeds, since speeding and hilly terrain drain the battery more quickly. Driving conditions and battery age will also affect the range. For example, deep cycling and oxidation will diminish the battery’s performance over time, while temperature extremes can accelerate this process.
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