Electricity can be used as a transportation fuel to power battery electric and fuel cell vehicles. When used to power electric vehicles or EVs, electricity is stored in an energy storage device such as a battery. EV batteries have a limited storage capacity and their electricity must be replenished by plugging the vehicle into an electrical source. The electricity for recharging the batteries can come from the existing power grid, or from distributed renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.
Electricity can be used as a transportation fuel to power battery electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by conventional or alternative fuels as well as electric power stored in a battery. Using electricity from the grid to run the vehicle some of the time costs less and reduces petroleum consumption compared with conventional vehicles. The electricity for recharging the batteries can come from the existing power grid, or from distributed renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.
There are currently three types of electric vehicles on the market: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
Electric Fuel Vehicle Links
Electric Drive Vehicles Overview – Learn about electric vehicles (Power Point)
Electricity Basics – Learn the basics about electricity as a fuel from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.
eGallon: How Much Cheaper Is It to Drive on Electricity? – Determine the cost of fueling a vehicle with electricity compared to a similar vehicle that runs on gasoline.
Electric Drive Transportation Association – More information on electric vehicles.
Electrification Coalition – Electric Vehicle Policies and Education
Plug in America – Build public awareness and advocate for electric vehicles.
