How electric cars work: simple, silent, and efficient

Imagine starting your day without the usual engine roar. Just a faint futuristic whir when you press the accelerator. That’s the electric experience. More than just a fuel switch, electric cars completely reinvent our relationship with driving. After helping thousands of drivers transition at Electra, our teams noticed a common reaction: surprise at how simple electric cars are to operate. So, ready to understand what’s under the silent hood of these vehicles that already number in the millions on European roads?

In short: how does an electric car work?

An electric car converts electricity stored in its battery into motion via an electric motor. Unlike combustion vehicles that burn fuel, electric cars use a much simpler principle: the battery powers an electric motor that directly turns the wheels. No gearbox, no clutch, just direct and efficient transmission.

Everything is managed by smart electronic components that continuously optimize performance and range.

How electricity becomes motion

The electric motor: frictionless mechanics

Let’s take a moment to understand what turns the wheels of an electric car. Inside the motor, there are two main parts: the stator (stationary) and the rotor (rotating). When electricity flows through the stator, it creates a rotating magnetic field. The rotor, equipped with permanent magnets, follows this field like a compass, directly driving the wheels.

This elegant simplicity eliminates dozens of mechanical parts. No gearbox, no clutch. Whether you're driving a Renault Zoe or a BMW i4, the principle is the same. Acceleration? It’s instant, delivering that signature “kick” of electric vehicles. With efficiency exceeding 95%, these motors convert nearly all energy into motion, whereas combustion engines waste two-thirds as heat.

The role of the controller and inverter

The inverter ensures electric vehicles run smoothly. It converts the direct current (DC) stored in the battery into alternating current (AC) needed by the motor. The controller, the system’s brain, regulates energy flow based on your needs.

This precise electronic management optimizes energy consumption and instantly adapts vehicle performance. Newer models feature increasingly efficient inverters, improving the energy-to-performance ratio. This intelligent system is one of electric vehicles’ major advantages over combustion engines.

Regenerative braking: recovering energy while driving

Here’s the engineers’ genius trick: turning every slowdown into an opportunity. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the motor becomes a generator. Your vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electricity and fed back into the battery.

In practice? On a typical urban trip with frequent stops, regenerative braking can add 15–20% more range. Some Tesla Model 3 drivers even enjoy “one-pedal driving,” thanks to highly effective regenerative braking.

Did you know? Regenerative braking can recover up to 70% of kinetic energy during a mountain descent, turning braking into extra kilometers!

Battery, charging, and range: The heart of the system

Lithium-ion battery: what you really need to know

The battery is the beating heart of your electric car. These lithium packs weigh between 300 and 600 kg and contain thousands of cylindrical cells. Capacity is measured in kWh (kilowatt-hours). Simply put: 1 kWh = about 5 to 7 km of range.

A city car like the Fiat 500e carries 42 kWh, while a family SUV has 75 to 100 kWh. The good news? These rechargeable batteries are built to last. Manufacturers typically guarantee 70% capacity after 8 years or 160,000 km.

In reality, field data shows most retain 85–90% after that period.

How electric charging works

Charging an electric car is now as easy as plugging in a smartphone. At home, a reinforced outlet or wallbox allows for full overnight charging. At Electra public stations, our ultra-fast chargers restore 80% of the battery in 20–30 minutes.

Across Europe, the network is expanding rapidly with millions of accessible charging points. Electra is currently deploying nearly 500 stations by the end of 2025, aiming for 2,200 stations across Europe by 2030.

Modern chargers communicate with your vehicle to automatically adjust intensity based on battery capacity, temperature, and condition. This smart system ensures optimal charging while preserving battery longevity.

Real-world range: what affects it daily

The range advertised by manufacturers varies depending on usage. Highway speed, outside temperature, and driving style all affect consumption. In cold weather, batteries can lose 20% efficiency. In cities, with moderate speeds and regenerative braking, range can exceed official values.

Recent models include heat pumps and preconditioning solutions to optimize energy use.

Key technologies that make a difference

Thermal management: the invisible innovation

An often-overlooked but crucial aspect of electric car operation is thermal management. Batteries and motors work best between 15°C and 35°C. Manufacturers have developed sophisticated liquid cooling systems to maintain ideal temperatures.

Tesla, BMW, and others integrate heat pumps that recover motor heat to warm the cabin. This technology can improve winter range by 20–30%. In China, the most mature EV market, new models even feature self-heating batteries.

These technical advantages explain why China leads global EV sales.

Power electronics: the conductor

Beyond the motor and battery, electronics manage hundreds of parameters in real time: cell temperature, rotor speed, torque demand, energy recovery during braking…

The latest units sold in Europe feature silicon carbide semiconductors. This technological leap improves the performance-to-consumption ratio by 5–10%.

Everyday benefits of electric motors

Smoother, softer driving

The absence of a gearbox transforms the driving experience. Linear acceleration and instant torque from electric motors offer unique sensations. The quiet operation creates a pleasant comfort bubble, especially in urban settings.

Simplified maintenance: fewer parts, fewer problems

Electric cars have about 20 moving parts compared to 2,000 in combustion vehicles. No oil changes, air filters, belts, or clutches! Maintenance mainly involves tires, brakes, and coolant. This mechanical simplicity drastically reduces upkeep costs.

Real savings in use

Electricity costs for 100 km range from €3 to €6 depending on your contract, versus €10 to €15 for gasoline or diesel (January 2025 prices). Over 15,000 km annually, savings easily reach €1,200.

Tax incentives in several European countries further boost economic appeal. Industry data estimates the average cost per kilometer for an EV at €0.03 to €0.05, compared to €0.10 to €0.15 for combustion equivalents. The cost-per-kilometer ratio is especially favorable for high-mileage drivers.

The charging ecosystem in practice

Different charging types to suit your needs

Slow home charging (3 to 7 kW) is perfect overnight. Public AC stations (11 to 22 kW) are ideal while shopping. Fast DC stations, like Electra’s (up to 400 kW), can add 400 km of range in under 20 minutes.

Prices vary by type: around €0.20/kWh at home, €0.30 to €0.40 at public AC stations, and from €0.29/kWh at Electra fast stations (rates vary by location and time). Home wallbox sales have surged, with over 500,000 units installed in France by early 2025.

Interoperability: a major challenge solved

Europe has mandated common standards. Today, with the Electra app or your badge, you can access millions of charging points across the continent. Unified payment and charger connectivity greatly simplify the user experience.

This standardization has been key to accelerating EV sales.

What sets electric cars apart from combustion engines

Hybrid vehicles offer a transitional solution for some uses, but their complexity (two motors, two power systems) limits their real advantages. The auto market is clearly shifting toward full electric, with over 3 million units sold in Europe in 2024.

China dominates the global market with over 60% of total sales, proving hybrids are already outdated in many countries.

Key takeaways for a smooth transition to electric

Switching to electric becomes a no-brainer once you understand the simplicity and efficiency of these vehicles. With over 15 million electric cars on the road worldwide, the technology is well proven.

The charging network grows daily: in France alone, there were over 100,000 public charging points by the end of 2024. European governments strongly support this transition with eco bonuses, confirming the environmental benefits of EVs.

Electra stations make long-distance travel easier with ultra-fast charging points strategically placed along major routes. Present in 9 European countries, Electra aims to help save 4.4 million tons of CO₂ by 2030. Our app simplifies station location and enables automatic payment once charging is complete, with the guarantee of the lowest price and the option to reserve your charger. Electra even offers an Electra+ subscription that becomes cost-effective from the very first charges.

The advantages in terms of comfort, savings, and environmental impact make electric cars the logical choice for the future of mobility. The market confirms this trend: sales of new combustion vehicles will be banned in Europe starting in 2035.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide on the real-world range of electric cars or read our article on the best family electric cars of 2025. And if you're ready to make the switch, find the nearest fast-charging station through our ultra-fast charging network.

Ready to experience electric driving? Explore our transparent pricing and download the Electra app to locate your next station! Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Written by Pierre – Mobility Expert at Electra