An Electric Vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that operates using an electric motor, which draws power from rechargeable storage batteries or other portable electrical energy storage systems. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs rely on electricity as their primary source of energy. These vehicles can be charged through external power sources, such as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and are designed to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels, thereby offering a cleaner alternative for transportation.
The term “EV” encompasses several different types of electric-powered vehicles, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which run exclusively on electricity, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), which combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine for extended range, and Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), which generate electricity through chemical reactions using hydrogen fuel. As defined by 10 C.F.R. § 474.2, the classification of EVs includes any vehicle that derives its motive power from electricity stored in batteries or other energy storage devices. With growing environmental concerns and advancements in technology, EVs are playing a crucial role in the global shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient transportation.
