An electric vehicle (EV) is a car, truck or SUV that runs exclusively on an electrical motor driven by a rechargeable battery pack. It doesn’t produce or use any toxic exhaust, which contributes to the improvement of air quality in cities and neighborhoods where most driving occurs.
EVs are a key element of decarbonizing transport by moving away from fossil fuels and into clean electricity. EVs are the most effective solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
One of the biggest challenges is range anxiety, or the concern that drivers won’t be able to drive long distances before needing to recharge. However, the rapid expansion of public charging stations and advances in battery technology are addressing this issue.
Unlike ICE vehicles, which burn oil and create toxic exhaust, EVs run on electricity that comes from renewable sources. This results in fewer pollutants, including carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to climate change.
EV batteries are built for thousands of charge cycles using advanced lithium-ion technology and specialized chemistry, and they’re engineered to be safe. Their durability is backed by manufacturers’ warranties and supported by the availability of telematics tools that show battery health, degradation rate and remaining capacity.
Like any electrical appliance, EVs are more efficient when used under optimal conditions. Frequent high-speed charging can generate excess heat that degrades the battery more quickly, so it’s best to reserve fast charging for special occasions and use Level 1 or Level 2 chargers for daily needs. Aggressive acceleration and high speeds also add stress, so driving at a moderate pace helps preserve EV range.