An electric car stores electrical energy in a battery. When the driver presses the accelerator, an electric motor uses that energy to turn the wheels.
Fun fact: A separate battery powers an electric car's accessories.
A four-slide private lesson about How Electric Cars Work
How Electric Cars Work
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The battery can be charged by plugging the car into a suitable charger. Charging time depends on the car, battery, charger, and how much charge is already there.
Fun fact: Some drivers charge their electric cars overnight at home.
Many electric cars can recover some energy while slowing down. The turning wheels help the motor act like a generator, sending some electricity back to the battery.
Fun fact: Cold weather can reduce an electric car's driving range.
An all-electric car has no exhaust pipe producing pollution as it drives. Making the car and producing the electricity still have environmental effects, so “no exhaust” does not mean “no impact.”
Fun fact: Electricity can be made using wind or sunlight.