As more drivers across Northern Ireland consider switching to electric, it’s natural to have questions about how these vehicles actually work. So let’s explore how electric cars store and use energy, the key components involved, and what you can expect when you get behind the wheel of an EV.
What is an electric car?
An electric car is a vehicle powered by electricity instead of petrol or diesel. It stores energy in a rechargeable battery and uses an electric motor to drive the wheels. Unlike conventional cars, fully electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, making them much better for our environment.
There are three different types of electric cars:
Fully Electric Cars (EV)
These run entirely on electricity. They have no petrol or diesel engine, no exhaust pipe, and no fuel tank. You charge them using a plug, and the battery powers an electric motor that drives the wheels.
Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)
These have both a rechargeable battery and a petrol engine. They can drive short distances using electricity alone, but when the battery runs low, the petrol engine takes over. You can plug them in to recharge.
Hybrid Cars (HEV or MHEV)
Hybrid cars, aka Mild Hybrids, use a petrol engine and an electric motor, but the battery charges automatically when driving. You cannot plug them in. The electric motor supports the engine rather than replacing it.
When most people ask how electric cars work, they are usually referring to fully electric vehicles that run only on battery power.
How do electric cars work?
Electric cars (EVs) use electricity stored in a rechargeable lithium battery to power an electric motor. The motor then drives the wheels directly.
Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles do not have an internal combustion engine. Instead, they use a simpler system that transfers power straight from the battery to the motor. This allows for smooth acceleration and instant response when you press the accelerator.
When you slow down, the car can also recover some energy through regenerative braking and send it back to the battery to be reused.
Key Components of an Electric Car
-
Controller
The controller manages the flow of electricity between the battery and the motor. When you press the accelerator, it determines how much power is required and adjusts output accordingly.
-
Drivetrain
The drivetrain transfers power from the motor to the wheels. In many electric vehicles, this system is simpler than in petrol cars because it does not require a complex multi-gear transmission.
-
Electric charging port
The charging port allows the electric car to connect to an external power source, like an EV home charger or a public charging point. Electricity flows through the port to recharge the EV battery.
-
Electric motor
The motor uses electricity from the battery to drive the wheels. Unlike a traditional engine, it doesn’t rely on combustion. Instead, it converts electrical energy into movement instantly.
-
Inverter
The battery stores electricity as direct current (DC), but the electric motor typically operates using alternating current (AC). The inverter converts the battery’s DC electricity into AC so the motor can run efficiently. This process happens automatically while you drive.
-
Regenerative braking
When the vehicle slows down, the electric motor can work in reverse, acting as a generator. This allows some of the energy normally lost during braking to be captured and returned to the battery.
-
Traction battery pack
The battery pack stores the electricity that powers the vehicle. It’s made up of many individual lithium-ion cells and is usually positioned low in the car’s floor. The size of the battery affects how far the car can travel on a single charge.
What happens when you drive an electric car?
Driving an electric car isn’t complicated. For most drivers, switching to electric requires very little adjustment. It feels very similar to driving an automatic vehicle, just a bit quieter and smoother.
Step 1: You start the electric car
There’s no engine noise when you switch on an electric car. The vehicle powers up silently and is ready to move straight away. If you’re used to the sound of an engine starting, the quiet can take a moment to get used to!
Step 2: You pull away
When you press the accelerator, power is delivered instantly. There’s no need to build engine revs or change gears. For example, when pulling out at a roundabout the car responds immediately.
Step 3: You build speed
There are no noticeable gear changes as you build speed, and acceleration feels consistent whether you’re driving through town or joining a motorway. When merging onto faster roads, the car picks up speed quickly.
Step 4: You slow down or stop
When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car may begin to slow slightly on its own (this is regenerative braking working in the background). This process is efficient and works in the background, so you don’t have to think about it.
Step 5: You recharge
When the battery runs low, you recharge the car instead of refuelling. Many drivers plug in at home overnight with an EV Home Charger, and an EV Tariff with cheaper charging times at night. Once charged, the car is ready to go again!
FAQs on how electric cars work
Electric cars are becoming more widely adopted, they’re still yet not the norm here in Northern Ireland. So, we’ve answered some of your most common questions on how electric cars work, to get you firmly more familiar with EVs.
-
Are all electric cars automatic?
Yes, all fully electric cars are automatic. They do not use a traditional manual gearbox or clutch because they don’t need multiple gears to manage engine speed. An electric motor works differently from a petrol or diesel engine. It can deliver power across a wide range of speeds without the need to shift gears.
-
Do electric cars have exhausts?
No, fully electric cars do not have exhaust pipes. Exhaust systems are used in petrol and diesel vehicles to expel gases created during fuel combustion. Because electric vehicles do not burn fuel, there are no tailpipe emissions and no need for an exhaust system.
This is one of the key differences between electric and traditional vehicles. It also means there are fewer components that can wear out or require replacement over time. -
Do electric cars use antifreeze?
Electric cars use a cooling system to regulate the temperature of the battery and electrical components. This system typically contains a coolant, similar in purpose to antifreeze in a petrol or diesel car.
The battery operates most efficiently within a specific temperature range. If it becomes too hot or too cold, performance and driving range can be affected. The cooling system helps maintain stable operating conditions, particularly during fast charging, motorway driving, or in very hot or cold weather. While the principle is similar to engine cooling systems, the purpose here is to protect the battery rather than cool a combustion engine. -
Do electric cars use oil?
Fully electric cars do not use engine oil because they do not have a combustion engine. In a petrol or diesel vehicle, oil is required to lubricate moving engine parts and reduce friction. Since electric vehicles rely on a motor instead of an engine, there is no need for regular oil changes.
That said, electric cars still require routine checks and maintenance. They use brake fluid, coolant for temperature control, and other standard vehicle fluids. However, with fewer mechanical parts involved in generating power, overall servicing can be simpler compared to traditional vehicles. -
What happens if an electric car runs out of charge?
If an electric car runs out of charge, it will gradually lose power and eventually stop, much like a petrol or diesel car would if it ran out of fuel.
However, electric vehicles provide clear warnings as the battery level gets low, often suggesting nearby charging points and estimating how much range remains. Many drivers find the range display more precise than a traditional fuel gauge.
Concerns about running out of charge are often referred to as “EV range anxiety”. But as charging networks expand and battery ranges improve, this is becoming less common.
Interested in switching to an electric car?
Now that you understand how an electric car works, next you’ll need to consider how you can keep it powered. Investing in a dedicated Home Charger and EV Tariff will make charging your EV quicker, more convenient and cheaper.
Explore EV Chargers & Tariffs
