A growing number of automakers offer electric vehicles in a variety of styles and price ranges. With improved battery technology, lower maintenance costs and no need to fill a gas tank, these cars are gaining in popularity.

Most electric it cars use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are much smaller than those in traditional internal combustion engines. A small onboard charger converts alternating current from an external source (typically a 120 V outlet) into the direct current needed to power the motors that drive the wheels. The battery itself lasts up to 10 times longer than a lead-acid unit, and can function through thousands of deep cycles.

Electric IT Car: Integrating Technology into Electric Vehicles

The car’s electric motors can also slow it using regenerative braking, decreasing the need for conventional brakes. This helps reduce wear and tear on those systems, as well as the cost of replacement parts. An EV can run for hundreds of miles on a single charge, which means it has much lower operating and fuel costs than an ICE vehicle.

Whether or not an electric car is right for you depends on your driving needs and lifestyle. For instance, if you typically travel long distances, you may need to install an on-board charging system that can refill the battery more quickly. You’ll also need to consider a public charging station. A fast-charging station that uses an 800 volt system can replenish an EV to 80% of its capacity in just 15 minutes. But such stations are rare and will require a bit of planning ahead.