For many years, electric cars were a niche market. The first EVs were a bit expensive and the electricity used to recharge their lead-acid batteries wasn’t widely available. However, the introduction of new technology made EVs more affordable and accessible. This was the development of lithium-ion battery cells, invented by John Goodenough, Rachid Yazami, and Akira Yoshino in the 1980s. These batteries are responsible for today’s long-distance, powerful EVs.

EVs also offer more driving comfort and control than gasoline cars. You don’t have to worry about shifting gears and the car can slow down automatically using regenerative braking. Many drivers even find they’re able to drive at low speeds without pressing the accelerator, and they can use a “one-pedal” driving mode.

Green Deals: Discovering Electric Cars

In addition, there are a number of companies that make electric vehicles. These include Tesla, Rivian and a number of others. Some of these are remaking the automobile industry by selling directly to consumers, cutting out traditional dealerships. This has upset some dealers because it can hurt sales and service revenue.

Most EVs require a regular household 120 V outlet for charging, but they can be charged much faster using a dedicated 240 V charger at home, work or a public charging station. A growing number of public charging stations are now available across the country, with most having multiple plug-in points so that you can park and charge your car quickly and efficiently. It’s important to keep in mind that driving an EV requires careful planning, especially during cold weather, when the range can be reduced significantly.