All-Electric Vehicle Basics
Animation of a vehicle with a battery, electric motor, and internal combustion engine inside and an icon depicting electrical power outside.
No More Gasoline
All-electric vehicles are plugged in to charge the battery, which stores the electricity that powers the electric motor.
All-electric vehicles (EVs) use a battery to store the electrical energy that powers the motor. EVs are sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs). EV batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source. Although electricity production might contribute to air pollution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes all-electric vehicles as zero-emission vehicles because their motors produce no exhaust or emissions. Because EVs use no other fuel, widespread use of these vehicles could dramatically reduce petroleum consumption.
Heavy-duty vehicles are available now, and a few light-duty EVs are commercially available. Although EVs are more expensive than similar conventional and hybrid vehicles, some cost can be recovered through fuel savings, a federal tax credit, or state incentives.
Driving Range
Currently available EVs have a shorter range per charge than most conventional vehicles have per tank of gas. EV manufacturers typically target a minimum range of 100 miles. The custom-order, all-electric Tesla Roadster has a 220-mile range. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 100 miles is sufficient for more than 90% of all household vehicle trips in the United States. For longer trips, it is necessary to charge the vehicle or swap the battery en route.
Tesla and Nissan have published more information about the range of their EVs under various driving conditions.
Learn more about charging all-electric vehicles.