ELI5: electric cars

What is an electric car?

An electric car is like a toy car powered by a big rechargeable battery instead of gasoline [1]. Just like your phone needs to be plugged in to charge, electric cars plug into chargers to fill up their batteries with electricity [4][5].

Why use electricity instead of gas?

Electric cars don't need gas engines, so they don't make smelly exhaust fumes that hurt the air we breathe [1][5]. They're also quieter and simpler inside since they have fewer moving parts than regular cars [5].

How do you make them go?

Inside an electric car is a big electric motor that spins when you push the pedal, kind of like how an electric drill works [5]. The battery gives power to the motor, and the car zooms forward just like any other car [1].

How do you refuel them?

Instead of going to a gas station, you plug your electric car into a charger at home or at a public charging station, and it fills up overnight or in a few hours [4]. It's like charging your tablet, but for a car!