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What is an EV?
The basics of how electric vehicles work, and the different types on the market.
What is an EV?
The fundamentals of how EVs work, and the different types you'll encounter while shopping.
QUICK ANSWER
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car driven by one or more electric motors using energy stored in a rechargeable battery instead of gasoline. A full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) has no engine, no exhaust and no oil changes. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) add a gas engine for longer trips.
The Short Answer
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered partly or entirely by electricity stored in an onboard battery, rather than by burning gasoline or diesel. Instead of an engine, EVs use one or more electric motors to turn the wheels, and instead of a fuel tank, they use a rechargeable battery pack.
How an EV Works
At its core, an EV is simpler than a gas car. Electricity from the battery pack flows to an electric motor, which converts it directly into motion. There's no combustion, no exhaust, and far fewer moving parts than a traditional engine. When you brake, many EVs also capture energy that would otherwise be lost as heat and feed it back into the battery — a process called regenerative braking.
Types of Electrified Vehicles
Not every "electric" vehicle works the same way. It helps to know the differences:
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): Runs entirely on electricity, stored in a battery, with no gas engine at all. Must be plugged in to refuel. (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Chevrolet Equinox EV)
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Has both a battery/electric motor and a gas engine. Can drive short distances (typically 20–40 miles) on electricity alone, then switches to gas.
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Has a battery and electric motor to assist a gas engine, but can't be plugged in — the battery charges itself through driving and braking.
FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): Uses hydrogen and a fuel cell to generate electricity onboard. Rare, with very limited fueling infrastructure.
When most people say "EV," they mean a BEV — a fully electric, plug-in-only vehicle. That's the focus of this guide unless otherwise noted.
Key EV Terms to Know
Range: How far the vehicle can travel on a full charge.
kWh (kilowatt-hour): The unit used to measure battery capacity — similar to how gallons measure a gas tank.
kW (kilowatt): The unit used to measure charging speed.
Regenerative braking: Technology that recovers energy while slowing down and feeds it back into the battery.
Range anxiety: The (often overstated) worry about running out of charge before reaching a charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a BEV, PHEV and hybrid?
A BEV runs only on battery power and must be plugged in. A PHEV has both a battery and a gas engine and can drive roughly 20-40 miles on electricity before switching to gas. A conventional hybrid (HEV) never plugs in — its small battery is charged by the engine and braking.
Do electric vehicles need oil changes?
No. Battery-electric vehicles have no combustion engine, so there is no engine oil, spark plugs, timing belt or exhaust system to service. Routine EV maintenance is mostly tires, brake fluid, cabin filters and coolant for the battery system.
How far can an electric car go on one charge?
Most new EVs sold in the U.S. are EPA-rated between roughly 200 and 350 miles per charge, with long-range trims exceeding that. Real-world range varies with speed, temperature, terrain and climate-control use.
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