Unlike an internal combustion engine that is tuned to specifically operate with a particular fuel such as gasoline or diesel, an electric drive vehicle needs electricity, which comes from sources such as batteries, fuel cells or a generator. This flexibility allows the drive train of the vehicle to remain the same, while the fuel source can be changed.

The energy used to propel the vehicle may be obtained from several sources, some of them more ecological than others:

• on-board rechargeable electricity storage system (RESS), called Full Electric Vehicles (FEV). Power storage methods include:
• chemical energy stored on the vehicle in on-board batteries: Battery electric vehicle (BEV)
• static energy stored on the vehicle in on-board electric double-layer capacitors
• kinetic energy storage: flywheels
• direct connection to land-based generation plants, as is common in electric trains and trolley buses (See also : overhead lines, third rail and conduit current collection)
• renewable sources such as solar power: solar vehicle
• generated on-board using a diesel engine: diesel-electric locomotive
• generated on-board using a fuel cell: fuel cell vehicle
• generated on-board using nuclear energy: nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers

It is also possible to have hybrid electric vehicles that derives energy from multiple sources. Such as:

• on-board rechargeable electricity storage system (RESS) and a direct continuous connection to land-based generation plants for purposes of on-highway recharging with unrestricted highway range
• on-board rechargeable electricity storage system and a fueled propulsion power source (internal combustion engine): plug-in hybrid

Electric vehicles can include electric airplanes, electric boats, and electric motorcycles and scooters.

History

main: History of the electric vehicle

Between 1832 and 1839 (the exact year is uncertain), Robert Anderson of Scotland invented the first crude electric carriage, powered by non-rechargeable Primary cells.

By the 20th century, electric cars and rail transport were commonplace, with commercial electric automobiles having the majority of the market. Over time their general-purpose commercial use reduced to specialist roles, as platform trucks, forklift trucks, tow tractors and urban delivery vehicles, such as the iconic British milk float; for most of the 20th century, the UK was the world's largest user of electric road vehicles.