An electric vehicle EV (plural: EVs) uses an onboard battery to store energy for driving an electric motor. EVs can be powered purely by electricity, or by a combination of the electric motor with a traditional internal combustion engine to allow longer driving ranges.

EVs have far lower environmental impact than traditional vehicles, largely because their motors are much more efficient and produce significantly less waste heat. However, their carbon footprint does rely on the source of power for the batteries and the electrical motors. Non-fossil fuel sources such as hydroelectricity or wind turbines reduce this footprint, while nuclear and fossil fuel power plants produce it.

Electric Vehicle EV: The Basics and Beyond

The term EV can refer to any type of motorized vehicle, from personal transportation like electric bicycles and scooters, to neighborhood and commercial vehicles such as electric buses, trolleybuses, and forklifts. Even trains and subways can be considered EVs, since they run on electricity from overhead wires or rail lines rather than carrying large onboard batteries.

Depending on how an EV is charged, it can be classified as a BEV, PHEV or REx. BEVs are able to travel the longest distances, while REx are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that can only drive short distances on their own, and use conventional gasoline engines for long trips.

EVs can be charged at home using standard 120 V chargers, which are usually available in parking garages and some gas stations, or on-road charging stations with DC fast charge capability. A faster option is to install a 240 V Level 2 charger in your garage, which can cut charging times by more than half.…