Electric vehicles are the cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that run on battery power instead of gasoline. They typically have much lower emissions and can be more fuel efficient than a gas car. EVs can be charged at home (using a standard 120 V outlet, though some require a more powerful 240 V charging system) or at public charging stations. EVs can also be powered by alternative energy sources such as wind and solar.

While EVs can still use fossil fuels for backup in some situations, they’re significantly less polluting than a gasoline-powered vehicle over its lifetime—especially if the electricity comes from renewable sources such as wind and solar. View electric vehicles also reduce overall emissions by displacing those powered by fossil fuels in the electricity grid.

EVs offer many other benefits. They’re quieter, smoother, and more effortless to drive than a traditional car. They have far fewer moving parts and can be serviced for less than their gas-powered counterparts. In addition, they produce fewer harmful chemicals and can help clean up the air. The more EVs on the road, the faster we can move toward meeting climate change targets.

However, EVs aren’t without obstacles. Some people worry about range and the difficulty of finding charging stations. Others are concerned about their price tag and the cost of maintaining an EV. And some don’t believe that EVs can provide the same utility as a gas-powered vehicle, including the ability to carry cargo or accommodate large families.

The good news is that EVs are getting more reliable and affordable every year. They’re more than twice as reliable as traditional cars and are becoming increasingly common on the roads, with more than three million on the road in the United States as of 2022. And as demand continues to grow, more models and choices will be available for consumers.

Consumer Reports tests vehicles and surveys subscribers about their experiences owning them. Our Jake Fisher, who oversees our auto-testing program, says that the reliability of EVs continues to improve. Today’s EVs have 79% fewer problems than their gas-powered counterparts.

Some EVs are designed to be practical commuters with an ample driving range. Others are focused on performance and have impressive acceleration, handling, and top speeds. EVs with more than one motor are often the fastest of the bunch. And some are geared for cargo, offering more versatile seating arrangements and space than a typical truck.