Definition: electric vehicle

(Electric Vehicle) An automobile powered entirely by electricity from a battery that requires recharging. Although prototype electric vehicles (EVs) were invented in the 1800s and various models were built in the 1900s, the EV industry only began in earnest after the turn of the century. As of 2025, more than 60 EV models are available in the U.S., including sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks (see F-150 Lightning).

In the U.S., Tesla sells more EVs than any other electric passenger vehicle but has fallen behind Volkswagen in Europe (see Tesla). Worldwide, China is the leader due to strong government support and a huge domestic consumer base.

Pollution Free and Better Fuel Economy
The advantage of electric vehicles is the lack of pollution in the atmosphere along with fuel economy. EVs deliver the equivalent of 50 to 90 miles per gallon, and just like gas vehicles, they have a distance limit that varies greatly depending on their weight from as little as 120 miles to more than 450.

Charging Is a Concern
There are not enough charging stations in the U.S. to meet expected growth over the next decade, which depending on the owner's location can be an impediment to sales. See EV charging.

Hybrid-Electrics (HEVs)
Because there is no charging, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) such as the Toyota Prius are very popular. They have an electric motor and gas engine with the only distance limit being the gas in the tank. The HEV automatically charges the battery while moving and braking and automatically switches to electric when feasible. HEVs are less economical than EVs, generally getting around 45-55 MPG.

Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs)
A plug-in HEV (PHEV) can be charged and run on battery for 25 to 50 miles giving daily commuters all-electric economy when plugged in at home every night. When traveling in the U.S., just like hybrid electrics, plug-in hybrid EVs have the convenience of 150,000 gas stations.

In 2010, GM introduced the Chevrolet Volt PHEV, which lasted up to 50 miles on battery before the gas engine took over. In 2019, the Volt was dropped because the all-electric Bolt, introduced three years earlier, became popular. In 2012, Toyota introduced the plug-in Prius. See electric aviation and electric vehicle types.

The First EVs - Earlier Than You Thought
A crude electric tricycle was invented in France in 1881, and a German one-horsepower four-wheeled electric carriage reached nine miles per hour in 1888. Near the end of the 19th century, the Baker Electric Coupe and Riker Electric Roadster were so popular that they made up a third of New York City taxis.

A few of these models are preserved in museums and private collections, including Jay Leno's garage. Henry Ford's Model T caused their demise because it was cheaper and more easily refueled.

All-Electric EV1 (1996-1999)

To meet California's environmental deadline in the late 1990s, GM built and leased more than a thousand EV1s. However, market demand was low, and to the disappointment of many, all leases were terminated by 2003. GM was able to meet regulatory requirements with low-emission gas and hybrid cars. This EV1 is in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

First-Generation Tesla Roadster

Featuring zero emissions and great handling, Tesla Roadsters from 2008 to 2012 had a range of 200 miles, a 125 MPH top speed and 0-to-60 in four seconds. Newer models doubled the speed and tripled the range. (Image courtesy of Tesla Motors.)

Cadillac Celestiq

Debuting in 2023, this custom-made luxury EV was designed to compete with Rolls-Royce. Including a 55" dashboard display, both driver and passengers can set their roof transparency level. Celestiq features driver assist and four-zone climate control. With a price starting at $300K, no more than two of these hand-assembled vehicles are expected to be completed every day. (Image courtesy of General Motors.)

Hybrid Diesel Electric

Hybrid electric buses have been on the streets of New York since 1998, and more than a thousand are in operation. Using low-sulfur diesel fuel and smaller diesel engines, these vehicles produce a fraction of the emissions of a standard diesel bus.