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How Do Electric Cars Work?

Electric cars are powered by battery but you may wonder how does it all really work? Here is a quick guide to how electric cars work.


Electric cars work by using an electric motor, which is powered by a rechargeable battery pack, to turn the wheels. The battery pack stores energy that is generated by the car's charging system, which can be powered by the electricity grid, a solar panel, or other sources. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, the electric motor converts the stored energy into motion, driving the wheels of the car and propelling the car forward. The car can also recover energy through regenerative braking, which captures the energy normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery.


electric car parts
See inside a Tesla at the Petersen Automotive Musem, Los Angeles

Electric cars are generally more efficient and produce fewer emissions than gasoline-powered cars, making them a popular choice for people who are environmentally conscious or want to save on fuel costs.


Electric cars use electric motors to turn the wheels, rather than internal combustion engines (ICEs) that burn fossil fuels.


fingers in word dice

Traditional cars work by using an internal combustion engine that converts fuel into energy. This energy is used to power the vehicle's movement.

Here is a basic overview of how an ICE car's engine works:

  1. The fuel is mixed with air in the engine's cylinders.

  2. A spark plug ignites the mixture, causing a small explosion.

  3. The explosion pushes a piston inside the cylinder, which moves the car's wheels through a system of gears.

  4. As the piston moves down, it turns the crankshaft, which is connected to the car's wheels through a system of gears.

  5. The movement of the wheels propels the car forward.

There are many different types of engines and the specific way that they work can vary, but this is the basic idea.


dirty car exhaust pipe

You may ask yourself if electric cars are really better then a traditional car?

There are several reasons why electric cars are considered to be better than conventional gasoline-powered cars:

  1. Environmental benefits: Electric cars do not emit any tailpipe pollutants, which means they can help to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

  2. Lower operating costs: Electric cars are generally cheaper to operate than gasoline-powered cars because they have lower fuel costs and require less maintenance.

  3. Quiet operation: Electric cars make very little noise, which can be a benefit in residential areas or other locations where noise is a concern.

  4. Performance: Electric cars can be very quick and responsive, thanks to their instant torque and lack of gears.

  5. Energy security: Electric cars can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and increase our energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

But are electric cars really reliable?

Electric cars are just as reliable as gasoline-powered cars, and in some cases, even more so. Because electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines, they tend to require less maintenance and have fewer mechanical issues.


However, it's important to note that the reliability of any car, electric or gasoline-powered, will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific make and model of the vehicle, how well it is maintained, and the driving conditions it is subjected to.


happy electric car drive and her dog

Additionally, electric cars do not have the same issues with wear and tear on parts like spark plugs, fuel pumps, and fuel filters, which can all lead to breakdowns and other problems in gasoline-powered cars.

Be part of the energy solution! Nominate your property to receive more information about how Envoy's electric car share programs can improve your resident retention, increase the value of your property and contribute to a greener future!


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