A battery electric vehicle uses an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery (EV), a solar panel/s (solar car) or a fuel cell (fuel cell car). EVs are the key technology to decarbonize road transport, which currently accounts for over 15% of global energy-related emissions. EVs offer low energy consumption, high performance and a smoother ride. They are available in a wide variety of models, sizes and configurations, providing an ideal transportation solution for urban and regional mobility requirements.
Compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs require less maintenance and are quieter in operation. They have faster acceleration as they can supply instant torque to the gas pedal, and they recycle otherwise wasted kinetic energy by returning it back to the battery for power in a process called regenerative braking. They also offer lower operational costs, as they do not need to visit gas stations, which may save drivers time and money.
However, the higher initial cost of EVs can make them less affordable for some consumers, although state and federal incentives can shave thousands off their price tag. Other solutions for reducing costs include increasing the number of charging stations and battery-swapping technologies, as well as researching new battery types with higher energy and power densities.
At home, a vehicle can be charged at standard AC outlets or with DC fast chargers at public charging stations, which typically have a higher energy use than residential power rates. In addition, EVs can be charged on an ad hoc basis at parking lots and other private locations via inductive charging.