What is an electric car?

An electric car, also called a battery electric vehicle (BEV), runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable traction battery. One or more electric motors drive the wheels, and the battery is replenished by plugging into an external power source. Regenerative braking can recover some energy while the car is slowing down.

A battery-electric car has no gasoline engine and produces no tailpipe emissions. It also avoids engine oil changes and many other combustion-engine maintenance items, although tires, brakes, filters, suspension, and other vehicle systems still need normal care.