An electric vehicle is a highly efficient means of transportation. It is powered an electric motor. These motors are used because they work well and are mechanically simple. The electric motor can change movement energy back to electricity. This is important because it can preserve the brake system and improve the energy efficiency of the car.

    In the past electric power was most commonly used to power trams and busses in large cities. This is better for the environment because of the emissions that get reduced by using electricity. One of the requirements for this is to run electric wires around the city. Then on top of the bus or tram there is a metal connector that touches the overhead wires. This is very cost effective for the city because once the wires are installed and the busses are converted to electric vehicles, the only cost is the cost of the generation of the electricity.

    The type of energy that is used in these electric motors is chemical energy. The chemical energy is made into electrical energy which is then put into the drive motors. This process is known as diesel-electric locomotion which can also be referred to as gas-hybrid locomotion. Another way of converting energy is called electro-chemical conversion.

    When the idea of the electric vehicle was first presented the viability of the technology was unclear due to inefficient batteries. Many improvements have aided the integration of electric vehicles in our society. Such advancements include; allowing the battery to charge while brakes are depressed, creating longer lasting batteries and more aerodynamic designs.