Battery electric cars are often referred to simply as electric cars, or ‘pure’ EVs. A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is powered exclusively by the electricity from its on-board battery, which replenishes its energy by plugging-in to the grid, or charging. Current examples include the Nissan LEAF and Tesla Model S, BMW ActiveE, Mitsubishi i, Coda Sedan, and Smart ED.


Current Battery Electric Vehicles have a range of 80 to 100 miles or more. Because the batteries are recharged from the utility grid and from regenerative braking to power an electric motor to propel the vehicle, BEVs produce no tailpipe emissions.


In addition to the recent release of mass-market passenger BEVs, other types of battery electric vehicles in widespread use today include low-speed, neighborhood electric vehicles, airport ground support equipment, and off-road industrial equipment such as forklifts.


Advantages of BEVs:

- Zero tailpipe emissions (no CO2 or other  pollutants)

- Use of cleaner electric energy produced through advanced natural gas and coal gasification technologies.

- Energy security by displacing imported petroleum with domestic generated electricity

- Overnight battery recharging (by plugging into a standard 110-volt household outlet or a higher voltage charging units)

- Recycled energy from regenerative braking

- Lower fuel and operation costs

- Possible use in secondary markets for used batteries and reduced waste

Challenges:

- Improving battery technology: lower costs, increased energy density, extended durability

- Possible need for public recharging infrastructure

- Extending mileage range

Key facts

"[Battery Electric Vehicle] BEV emissions are estimated [...] to be 75% lower than the average conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, and 55% lower than the average conventional hybrid vehicle" (Ready, Set, Charge, California!)

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