What is an electric car? How electric cars work
Our guide explains what exactly an electric car is, how they work and the different types of electric vehicles
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What is an electric car?
An electric car is a vehicle that uses an electric motor and a battery to get moving.
They charge up when plugged into compatible electric vehicle (EV) charging points and don’t rely on fossil fuel sources.
Driving an EV is better for the environment than petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles, as they don’t produce any emissions that have harmful effects on the environment while in use.
There is some argument that the manufacturing process for EVs is still harmful to the environment, but many manufacturers are making the effort to reduce this.
How does an electric car work?
Electric cars rely on their rechargeable battery to power the motor and drive.
This is different to vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), where petrol or diesel is burned and converted into energy to get moving.
When plugged into an EV charging point, electricity is taken and stored in the battery to power the car.
This is just like fuelling up at a petrol station, but you can charge your EV up at home and keep updated by smartphone apps.
Most EVs have a single motor, but performance-focused models like the Tesla Model S and BMW i4 M50 have two and are known as ‘dual-motor’ cars.
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What are the different types of electric vehicles?
Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
BEV models are the most common on the market, and are vehicles that use a battery and a motor to get moving and rely on electric charging to boost up.
Most electric cars on sale are BEV models.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
PHEV cars have an internal combustion engine as well as a battery and electric motor.
These vehicles can use either of these power options to get moving, so are more efficient and economical for fuel if you charge regularly.
You’ll usually find that PHEV models offer up to 50 miles of pure EV driving before the ICE kicks in.
Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV)
FCEV cars use hydrogen and convert this into electrical energy using a fuel cell.
These models don’t produce tailpipe emissions, purely emitting water vapour and warm air instead.
They aren’t as popular in the UK, as hydrogen fuelling stations aren’t common.
Extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV)
You’re unlikely to come across an E-REV in the UK, but these are models that have a BEV setup and an additional petrol or diesel engine.
It’s like a super-charged hybrid car and allows the vehicles to cover much longer distances.
How do I charge my electric car?
How you charge your EV will depend on the type of charger you're using, but the basics are very much pull up, plug in and charge up.
You’ll need to follow these steps to charge your EV:
Safely park near the charging point you intend to use
Open the charging port that’s usually on the side of your car near the front
Choose the right connector for your EV and plug it in
Leave your EV to charge for the necessary period of time
If you’re using a charging cable that’s plugged into a three-pin socket, make sure the cable isn’t a tripping hazard or plugged into an extension lead
Don’t forget to pay if you’re using a public EV charging station
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What are the benefits of owning an electric car over a petrol/diesel vehicle?
Many motorists have been hesitant about making the switch to electric vehicles, but there’s a range of benefits that you might find tempting.
Cheaper running costs
Electric car charging will usually be cheaper than filling up with fuel, especially if you take advantage of the specialised electricity tariffs for your home and free EV charging points.
You’ll also be able to dodge fees in Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and congestion charges, which is ideal if you commute in the city.
More efficient
EVs work by converting electricity into movement and are more efficient than petrol or diesel cars.
They’ll usually be getting less energy per tank of fuel than an EV will get per fully charged battery.
This means you can get further on a smaller budget and don’t have the harmful emissions that come with internal combustion engines.
Better for the environment
Because EVs don’t produce harmful emissions as they drive, they’re better for the environment than typical fuel-powered cars.
Manufacturers are working on greener production processes too, and some use recycled and vegan materials in their cars like alternative leathers.
Easier upkeep
EVs have a much smaller number of moving engine parts than fuel-powered ICE cars, meaning fewer parts can go wrong and need repairing.
This makes them much easier to maintain, and manufacturers often recommend servicing after longer periods of time than they do for fuel-powered vehicles.
Save money with grants
While EVs can sometimes be more expensive to buy – and you’ll have to factor in the costs of installing a charging point if you want one – there are grants on offer to help with covering the costs.
In the UK and Scotland, there are grants for individuals, landlords and workplaces to help with the costs of purchasing EVs and fitting charging stations.