How Do Electric Cars Work?

At the core of an electric car is its battery, which stores the electrical energy needed to power the vehicle. These batteries are typically made of lithium-ion cells, similar to those found in a laptop or smartphone, but on a much larger scale. The energy stored in an electric car’s batteries allows the car to move, and they can be recharged by plugging the car into an electrical outlet or a dedicated charging station.

The electric motor is the powerhouse of an electric car. Electric motors are simpler and have fewer moving parts compared to traditional internal-combustion engines. This simplicity translates to less maintenance and a quieter ride. The motor converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy, which turns the wheels and propels the car forward. The entire process is highly efficient and allows electric cars to achieve impressive acceleration and performance.

A useful feature of electric cars is regenerative braking. When a driver applies the brakes, the electric motor runs in reverse, acting as a generator to convert some of the kinetic energy back into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. This not only helps to extend the range of the vehicle but also reduces wear on the braking system, making the feature invaluable for efficiency and maintenance.