1830s–1900s
The electric beginning
Early inventors built practical electric carriages, and by the turn of the century EVs were valued for quiet, clean and simple city travel.
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EV Basics · Interactive Guide
A simple guide to electric driving.
Move from curiosity to confidence. Explore how electric cars work, compare every powertrain and calculate the range that fits your life.
Start the guideBefore we begin
Electric cars are older than most people think.
EVs are not a recent invention. Their story stretches from early electric carriages to modern battery science—and is now closely tied to cleaner air, renewable power and the global effort to reduce transport emissions.
Battery progress
From lead-acid to lithium-ion
Better energy density, durability and power electronics turned batteries from short-range storage into the foundation of capable modern vehicles.
The climate movement
Moving beyond carbon
Air-quality concerns and the push to cut greenhouse-gas emissions renewed interest in transport that can operate without tailpipe pollution.
Clean energy
A car that gets greener with the grid
EVs can be powered by an electricity mix that increasingly includes solar, wind and other renewable sources—linking mobility with a cleaner energy future.
01The foundation
What is an EV?
An Electric Vehicle—also called a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—runs entirely on electricity. It has no petrol tank, conventional engine or tailpipe exhaust.
What changes for the driver?
Quiet driving, instant response, home charging potential and fewer traditional engine service items.
Tap through the energy journey
01
Charge
Connect to a compatible electricity source.
02
Store
Energy is held in the high-voltage battery.
03
Drive
The motor converts electricity into movement.
04
Recover
Braking returns some energy to the battery.
Rechargeable battery
Stores the energy used to move the car.
Electric motor
Powers the wheels smoothly and immediately.
Power electronics
Manage energy between battery and motor.
Charging system
Safely replenishes the battery.
02Choose your powertrain
EV vs Hybrid
Not every electrified car works the same way. Select a vehicle type to see how it is powered, whether it plugs in and who it may suit best.
EV
Battery Electric Vehicle
Runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery.
Drivers ready to leave petrol behind
Reliable home or public charging
Quiet, responsive daily driving
Main energy
Electricity
How it refuels
Plug-in charging
Engine
No petrol engine
Electric-only driving
Always electric
03Everyday ownership
EV vs Petrol
The best comparison goes beyond purchase price. Consider how you refuel, how the car feels to drive, routine maintenance and the journeys you make most often.
Plug in
Electric
Charge at home, work or a public charger
Quiet drive with instant acceleration
No engine oil, spark plugs or exhaust servicing
No tailpipe emissions while driving
Fill up
Petrol
Refuel quickly at widely available stations
Familiar engine and transmission experience
Regular engine and exhaust-system servicing
Tailpipe emissions while driving
Compare cost per kilometre, not a full charge with a full tank. Your result depends on vehicle efficiency, electricity or fuel price and monthly distance.
04Personal range planner
Understanding EV Range
Range is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a charged battery. Published figures are useful for comparison, but your speed, air conditioning, load, terrain, weather and tyres affect real-world results.
Build your range profile
Primary charging access
Comfortable target range
275km
A practical starting point with an estimated 55 km buffer above your selected routine.
This is an educational estimate, not a vehicle guarantee. Always compare the rating standard, real-world reviews and charging options for the exact model.
Speed
High sustained speeds increase aerodynamic drag.
Air conditioning
Cabin cooling draws energy from the battery.
Terrain & load
Climbs, passengers and cargo require more energy.
Tyres & battery
Pressure, condition and battery health affect efficiency.
Go one level deeper
The details that make ownership easier.
Open each topic for a concise explanation. No walls of text—just the information you need when you need it.
Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A larger usable battery stores more energy, but range also depends on efficiency, weight, aerodynamics, motor technology and driving conditions.
Think of capacity like a fuel tank: around 40 kWh is compact, 60 kWh is medium-capacity, and 80+ kWh is larger. Bigger is not automatically better—choose what fits your journeys.
Curiosity → confidence → action
Find the right vehicle for your lifestyle.
Compare verified electric and hybrid vehicles by range, price and the features that matter to you.