What is an electric vehicle?
The single idea that separates an EV from every combustion car.
- Explain what is an electric vehicle? in plain language
- Recognise the key vocabulary
- Apply the idea to a real vehicle
Overview
An electric vehicle stores energy in a battery instead of a fuel tank and turns it into motion with an electric motor instead of an engine. Everything else — steering, brakes, seats, safety — works exactly as you already expect.
In depth
Fuel becomes electricity
A petrol car burns fuel in hundreds of small explosions to push pistons. An EV pushes electrons through a motor's windings, creating a rotating magnetic field that turns the wheels. Fewer conversions means far less waste heat: roughly 85–90% of the energy in an EV battery reaches the road, versus 20–30% for petrol.
- Fuel tankEnergy storeBattery pack
- Internal combustion engineConverterElectric motor
- HundredsMoving parts in drivetrainAround a dozen
- 20–30%Tank-to-wheel efficiency85–90%
- 5 minutesRefill time20 min rapid / overnight at home
- CO₂, NOₓ, particulatesTailpipe emissionsNone
Quick check
- 1
What replaces the engine in a battery electric vehicle?
- 2
A BEV has a tailpipe.
Key takeaways
- An EV stores energy chemically in a battery and converts it to motion with a motor.
- Far fewer energy conversions means far higher efficiency.
- Everything outside the powertrain is a normal car.
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