How do electric cars work? 

The electric car movement is picking up quickly, with more motorists switching to an electric vehicle every day. As technology advances, the electric car will become more affordable for drivers, encouraging others to change. In this article, we take a look at how electric vehicles work to give you all the information you need to decide if you want to switch and choose an electric car as your next vehicle.  

The electric motor 

One of the critical components of the electric car is the electric motor. This is the part that drives the car's wheels and propels it forward. The electric motor works by taking the electrical energy stored in the battery and turning this into kinetic or motion energy. It uses a series of electromagnets in order to do this. The electric motor isn’t a new form of technology. It’s used for many different applications around your home, including children's toys, electric toothbrushes and much more. 

Electric car battery 

Another critical component of the electric car is the battery. This is where the main technical advances have been made in the last ten years. Batteries have become lighter and more efficient at charging quickly and maintaining power. Electric car batteries come in two main types: lithium-ion (Li-on), which is used by the majority of EV manufacturers, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Lithium-ion batteries use the same technology as your mobile phone; on a car, they are much larger as they need to hold a lot more charge. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are seen much less frequently. These batteries are cheaper to produce, but they typically lose more capacity over time. However, nickel-metal hydride batteries can withstand colder temperatures, making them more suitable for some very cold climates. 

It is important to check the car battery is in good condition when buying a used electric vehicle. The battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric car; the vehicle cannot function without the battery. If you purchase a vehicle from SPOTiCAR, we do a full check to ensure everything is working before you drive home. 

Electric car usage differences 

Electric cars are simple to drive; they operate much like petrol or diesel cars in some instances, with a few differences in charging and driving.  

Automatic transmission 

All electric cars are automatic, so if you are used to driving a manual car, that will be a change for you. Electric cars simply have an accelerator and brake pedal; you don't need to worry about selecting the right gear.  

Regenerative braking 

Another handy function most electric cars use is regenerative braking. This technology harnesses the kinetic energy that would have been lost when braking. This energy is used for driving and can extend the electric car's range. Regenerative braking can feel very different to driving a petrol or diesel car. This is something that most drivers get used to when they first start driving their EV reasonably quickly. Make sure to test drive your electric car before you commit to buying; this will help you decide and find the right vehicle.  

Silent driving 

Another change that many petrol and diesel drivers will need to get used to when switching to an electric car is the quiet drive. You may wonder if the vehicle is actually on or not. You will also need to be aware that pedestrians may not realise your car is coming, especially in car parks.  

Charging 

Charging is one of the main differences. Instead of visiting a petrol station and filling up your car you will need to plug in your electric vehicle and charge it instead. Many drivers have home charging points so they can leave their car to charge overnight at home, much like any other device. There are also charging stations around the UK that you can visit to charge your vehicle. Most charging stations can be accessed using free downloadable apps on your phone.  

Check how long it is likely to take to charge your car to the level you need before setting off to a charging point. Depending on the voltage of the charging station, it can take from 20 minutes to a few hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. Zap Map provides a valuable service where you can locate your nearest charging station and filter based on your vehicle type and the service you require.