Definition

1. Noun:
   • A car that is powered by electricity: An "electric car" is a road vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion, drawing its energy from rechargeable battery packs or other onboard electrical storage. It produces zero tailpipe emissions.

Usage

• The term "electric car" is used to distinguish vehicles powered primarily by electricity from those powered by internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel).
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., an electric car, electric cars).
• It is often used in contexts discussing technology, environmental policy, transportation, and the automotive industry.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She decided to buy an electric car to reduce her carbon footprint.
  • The company's new factory will produce thousands of electric cars each year.
  • Charging an electric car at home is often more convenient than visiting a gas station.

Advanced Usage

• "The rise of the electric car": A common phrase referring to the increasing adoption and importance of electric vehicles in society.
  • The documentary explored the technological challenges behind the rise of the electric car.

Variants and Related Words

• Electric vehicle (EV): A broader term that includes not just cars, but also trucks, buses, and other vehicles powered by electricity.
• Battery electric vehicle (BEV): A more technical term for an electric car that operates exclusively on electrical energy stored in batteries, with no secondary internal combustion engine.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): A related type of vehicle that combines a battery-powered electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine.

Synonyms

• EV (Electric Vehicle): (in the specific context of passenger cars)
• Zero-emission vehicle (ZEV): (when emphasizing the lack of tailpipe pollution, though this term can also include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles)

Related Phrases

• Electric car charger: The equipment used to supply electrical energy to the vehicle's battery.
  • We need to install an electric car charger in our garage.
• Electric car range: The distance an electric car can travel on a single full charge.
  • The main concern for many buyers is the electric car's range.

Noun

1. a car that is powered by electricity