Electric Vehicles for Beginners: How Do EVs Work?
If you’re new to the world of electric vehicles (EVs), you’re not alone. As more drivers across the UK make the switch to zero-emission vehicles, understanding how EVs actually work can help you feel more confident about making the change.
An electric vehicle uses electricity — rather than petrol or diesel, to power its motor. But what goes on under the bonnet? And how does that translate into smooth, silent, zero-emission driving?
Looking for an EV charging cable? Find the right cable for your vehicle with our reg checker tool.
The Basics: What Powers an Electric Vehicle?
At the heart of every EV is a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which stores the energy needed to drive the car. Instead of burning fuel to create power (like an internal combustion engine), EVs draw electricity directly from the battery to power an electric motor.
When you press the accelerator, the motor instantly converts electrical energy into motion — delivering smooth, instant torque. This makes electric vehicles not only cleaner, but also more responsive and enjoyable to drive.
Key Components of an EV:
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Battery Pack: Stores energy, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
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Electric Motor: Converts electrical energy into movement.
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Inverter: Regulates power flow between the motor and battery.
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Onboard Charger: Manages AC electricity coming from the grid.
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Charging Port: Connects the car to your charger — usually a Type 2 connector in the UK.
How Does EV Charging Work?
Charging an electric car is a bit like charging your smartphone — just on a much larger scale. You plug it in, the battery stores energy, and you’re ready to go.
There are two main types of charging:
AC (Alternating Current) Charging
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Most home and workplace chargers use AC power.
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The car’s onboard charger converts AC power into DC to charge the battery.
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Charging speeds range from 3.6 kW to 22 kW, depending on your power supply and cable.
DC (Direct Current) Charging
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Used for rapid and ultra-rapid charging at motorway service stations and public charging networks.
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Bypasses the onboard charger and feeds power directly to the battery.
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Can recharge most EVs from 10 % to 80 % in around 30 minutes.
Find out more in our blog: Understanding EV Charging: A Beginner’s Guide for New Electric Car Owners.
Understanding EV Range
Range is the distance an EV can travel on a single charge — which depends on several factors: battery size, driving style, temperature, and terrain.
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Smaller city EVs typically offer 150–200 miles per charge.
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Family cars and SUVs often deliver around 250–350 miles.
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Premium models can exceed 400 miles with more advanced batteries.
Modern EVs feature regenerative braking, which helps extend range by recovering energy when you slow down, by feeding it back into the battery.
Why Electric Vehicles Are More Efficient
Electric vehicles convert over 85 % of their stored energy into movement, compared with around 30 % for petrol engines. With fewer moving parts, they also require less maintenance — no oil changes, fewer filters, and no exhaust systems.
Plus, when charged using renewable energy, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and support the UK’s net-zero targets.
The Cost of Running an EV
One of the biggest benefits of driving electric is lower running costs. Charging at home, especially on an off-peak tariff, is far cheaper than refuelling with petrol or diesel.
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Home charging: Typically around 7–12p per mile, or less.
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Public charging: Around 25–80p per kWh depending on the charging network.
Factor in lower maintenance costs and electric cars remain one of the most cost-effective ways to drive.
Why the Right Charging Cable Matters
Your EV’s performance and convenience depend on having the right charging equipment. A Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable is compatible with nearly all UK EVs and untethered charging stations, making it the most versatile option.
EVwired Charging Cable Benefits:
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Free fast-tracked UK delivery.
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5-year warranty for peace of mind.
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Weather-resistant IP55 design.
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Available in both 7.4 kW and 22 kW options.
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Free storage case and connector caps included.
Whether you’re charging from home, at work, or on the road, EVwired cables ensure safe, efficient charging for years to come.
Understanding how electric vehicles work is the first step toward a cleaner, smarter way of driving. With simple components, efficient energy use, and lower running costs, EVs are changing the way Britain drives.
Explore EVwired’s premium-quality Type 2 EV charging cables with free UK delivery, a 5-year warranty, and trusted compatibility with every major electric vehicle brand.
