An electric vehicle is a car powered partly or entirely by electricity stored in a battery, rather than by burning gasoline or diesel. Instead of an internal combustion engine, an EV uses one or more electric motors to turn the wheels, drawing power from a rechargeable battery pack that’s topped up by plugging into an outlet or charging station.
How an EV actually works
Mechanically, an EV is simpler than a gas car. A large battery pack, usually built into the floor of the vehicle, stores energy. An electric motor converts that energy into motion, and a controller manages how much power flows to the motor based on accelerator input. There’s no multi-speed transmission in most EVs, no exhaust system, and no fuel tank.
Not every “electric” vehicle works the same way
The term gets used loosely, but there are a few genuinely different types.
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | Runs entirely on electricity, no gas engine or fuel tank at all |
| PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) | Has both a battery and a gas engine; drives a limited distance on electricity alone, then switches to gas |
| HEV (Hybrid, non-plug-in) | Uses a small battery charged by the engine and braking, but can’t be plugged in |
When people say “EV” without qualifying it, they usually mean a BEV. For the practical differences between a BEV and a PHEV day to day, see our guide on BEV vs. PHEV.
What driving one is actually like
The biggest differences from a gas car tend to show up within the first few minutes behind the wheel: instant, smooth acceleration with no gear shifts, near-silent operation at low speeds, and a driving feel many describe as one-pedal, thanks to regenerative braking, which slows the car noticeably when you lift off the accelerator. Charging replaces gas station visits for most owners, with the large majority of charging happening overnight at home rather than as a dedicated stop.
Why people are switching
Common reasons include lower running costs (charging is generally far cheaper per kilometre than gasoline), fewer moving parts and lower routine maintenance, reduced tailpipe emissions, and, for many drivers, simply preferring the driving experience. It isn’t automatically the right fit for everyone yet, home charging access, typical driving distance, winter climate, and upfront budget all factor in.
💡 Tip: Not sure whether an EV actually fits your situation? Our guide on is an EV right for me walks through the key questions to ask yourself before buying.
⚠️ Note: Canada’s electricity grid is predominantly powered by low-emitting hydro and nuclear sources, which is part of why EVs generally produce meaningfully lower lifecycle emissions here than in regions with more fossil-fuel-based electricity generation.