http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_electric_vehicleA battery electric vehicle (BEV) is an electric vehicle that stores chemical energy in rechargeable battery packs. Electric vehicles use electric motors instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines (ICEs). Vehicles using both electric motors and ICEs are called hybrid vehicles, and are usually not considered pure BEVs. Hybrid vehicles with batteries that can be charged and used without their ICE are called plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and are pure BEVs while they are not burning fuel. BEVs are usually automobiles, light trucks, motorized bicycles, electric scooters, golf carts, forklifts and similar vehicles, because batteries are less appropriate for larger long-range applications.
BEVs were
among the earliest automobiles, and
are more energy-efficient than most internal combustion vehicles. They produce
no exhaust fumes, and minimal pollution if charged from most forms of renewable energy. Many are
capable of acceleration performance exceeding that of conventional gasoline powered vehicles.
New models can travel hundreds of miles on a charge, even after 100,000 miles of battery use. BEVs reduce dependence on petroleum, mitigate global warming, are quieter than internal combustion vehicles, and do not produce noxious fumes. While limited travel distance between battery recharging, charging time, and battery lifespan have been drawbacks, new battery and charging technologies have substantially increased range and battery life, and decreased recharging time.
Though some models are still in limited production,
most popular roadworthy BEVs have been withdrawn from the market and have been destroyed by their manufacturers. A handful of future production models have been announced, although many more have been prototyped. In the US, most practical BEVs are after-market conversions of internal-combustion vehicles by hobbyists, because of the lack of current production vehicles. The major US automobile manufacturers have been accused of deliberately sabotaging their electric vehicle production efforts.
Oil companies have used patent protection to keep modern battery technology from use in BEVs.
