Electric Vehicles
fully explained
Batteries, motors, range, charging and real-world costs — explained simply, with interactive calculators and up-to-date market figures.
What is an electric vehicle?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered by one or more electric motors fed by a high-voltage battery, instead of a combustion engine burning petrol or diesel.
EVs are more than a trend: in 2025, roughly 1 in 5 new cars sold worldwide was electric (EV or plug-in hybrid). The transition is accelerating in China, Europe and the US.
Instant torque from 0 km/h. EVs feel fast and quiet, with no gearbox needed.
The energy store, typically 40–100 kWh. Range depends on size, weight and driving conditions.
Plug in at home overnight or at fast chargers on the road. The grid is your fuel station.
How an electric car works
From the wall plug to the wheels, energy takes a simple, efficient path.
-
1
Plug & charge
AC from the wall is converted to DC and stored in the battery pack via the onboard charger.
-
2
Storage
The battery stores the energy chemically. Regenerative braking also pushes energy back when you slow down.
-
3
Inversion
The inverter converts the battery’s DC into the AC that electric motors use.
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4
Motion
The motor turns the wheels with instant torque. One-pedal driving handles most city braking.
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5
Recovery
Coasting and braking regenerate energy, improving real-world range by up to 20%.
See the energy path
Watch electricity flow from the plug to the wheels, and back during braking.
Estimate your real-world range
Range depends on battery size, consumption, temperature and highway driving. Move the sliders.
Cold, highway speed and heating reduce range. This model is indicative.
Time & cost of charging
How long to charge and how much it costs depends on the charger power and your electricity price.
The EV market in 2026
Key adoption figures and the most popular electric cars. Data is indicative 2026.
The electric transition is accelerating. Key 2026 indicators.
| Model | Price | Range (WLTP) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tesla Model Y
Tesla
|
$44,990 | 480 km |
|
Tesla Model 3
Tesla
|
$40,990 | 513 km |
|
BYD Dolphin
BYD
|
$23,990 | 420 km |
|
BYD Seagull
BYD
|
$10,990 | 305 km |
|
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai
|
$42,990 | 507 km |
|
Kia EV6
Kia
|
$43,990 | 528 km |
|
VW ID.4
Volkswagen
|
$41,990 | 515 km |
|
Renault Mégane E-Tech
Renault
|
$38,990 | 450 km |
The four types of electrified cars
Not every "electric" car is the same. Here is how the segments break down.
BEV
- Battery Electric Vehicle
- 100% electric, plug-in only
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Longest range of EVs
- Tesla, BYD, Hyundai
PHEV
- Plug-in Hybrid
- Battery + petrol engine
- 30–100 km electric range
- Engine as backup
- Good bridge vehicle
HEV
- Hybrid (not plug-in)
- Battery charged by engine
- Cannot be charged externally
- Toyota Prius
- Saves fuel, no EV badge
FCEV
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell
- Hydrogen → electricity
- Refuel in minutes
- Very few stations
- Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo
Why go electric?
The main reasons drivers switch — from wallet to climate.
Lower running costs
Electricity is usually 2–4× cheaper per km than petrol. Fewer moving parts means less maintenance.
Cleaner driving
Zero tailpipe emissions. Over a lifetime, EVs emit far less CO₂ than petrol cars even on today’s grids.
Instant performance
Instant torque and silent, smooth acceleration make EVs genuinely fun to drive.
Charge at home
Wake up with a full battery every morning. No more fuel stations for daily driving.
Low maintenance
No oil changes, no exhaust, no spark plugs. Brakes last far longer thanks to regeneration.
Incentives
Many countries offer purchase bonuses, tax breaks and free parking or access to low-emission zones.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- ✔Much lower running and maintenance costs.
- ✔Zero tailpipe emissions and cleaner city air.
- ✔Instant torque — fun and responsive to drive.
- ✔Silent and smooth, with one-pedal driving.
- ✔Charge at home overnight — always full in the morning.
Limitations
- ✕Higher purchase price (though prices are falling fast).
- ✕Range and charging time still limit long trips.
- ✕Charging infrastructure varies by region.
- ✕Battery degradation and replacement costs.
- ✕Cold weather and highway driving reduce range.
Quick glossary
The EV terms you need to know.
Electric vehicle FAQ
How much does it cost to run an EV?
How far can an electric car go?
How long does it take to charge an EV?
Are EVs really better for the environment?
Do EV batteries degrade?
Can I charge an EV at home?
Are EVs more expensive to insure and repair?
What is the best electric car in 2026?
Figures are indicative 2026 estimates. Real values depend on your market, driving style and electricity/fuel prices.
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Compare your options before you buy
Use our calculators to estimate range, charging costs and how much you save vs petrol.