What is an Electric Vehicle?
There are many types of electric vehicles on the market today. Get to know your battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from your plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) and learn how they work.
Battery Charger
The battery charger converts the AC power from our electricity network to DC power stored in a battery. It controls the voltage level of the battery cells, monitors the cell temperatures and controls the charge to help keep the battery healthy.
Battery
An electric vehicle uses a battery to store electrical energy that is ready to use. A battery pack is made up of a number of cells that are grouped into modules. Once the battery has sufficient energy stored, the vehicle is ready to use.
Brakes
Regenerative braking uses the motor to slow the vehicle down, while putting energy back into the battery. This minimises the amount of friction braking required, reducing wear and tear on brake pads and disks.
Electric Motor
You will find electric motors in everything from juicers and toothbrushes, washing machines and dryers, to robots. They are familiar, reliable and very durable. Electric vehicle motors use AC power.
Transmission
Nearly every electric car has a single-speed transmission. The automatic transmission means that the rate of change of speed is almost linear and you have almost instant access to power, with no loss.
Controller
The controller is like the brain of a vehicle, managing all of its parameters. It controls the rate of charge using information from the battery. It also translates pressure on the accelerator pedal to adjust speed in the motor inverter.
Inverter
An inverter converts DC power to the AC power used in an electric vehicle motor. The inverter can change the speed at which the motor rotates and increase or decrease the power or torque of the motor.
Charging Cable
A charging cable for standard charging is supplied with and stored in the vehicle. It's used for charging at home or at standard public charge points. A fast charge point will have its own cable.
- How electric vehicles work
Electric Vehicles are surprisingly simple, yet use the latest technology in car manufacturing.
Take a tour - Types of electric vehicles
Read our guide to the most common types of electric vehicles on the market today.
Find out more - Electric vehicle grants
Our grants make driving electric even cheaper. Reductions of up to €10,000 are on offer (Incl. VRT tax relief)
Find out more - Grant eligible vehicles
Browse the entire range of grant eligible electric cars available in Ireland. Compare performance, savings, emissions, and more.
View grant eligible vehicles
How electric vehicles work
Electric Vehicles are surprisingly simple, yet use the latest technology in car manufacturing.
Take a tourTypes of electric vehicles
Read our guide to the most common types of electric vehicles on the market today.
Find out moreElectric vehicle grants
Our grants make driving electric even cheaper. Reductions of up to €10,000 are on offer (Incl. VRT tax relief)
Find out moreGrant eligible vehicles
Browse the entire range of grant eligible electric cars available in Ireland. Compare performance, savings, emissions, and more.
View grant eligible vehicles