do electric cars have batteries

[Isaiah]

Yes, absolutely. Every electric car (EV) has a large, rechargeable battery pack, which is its fundamental power source, replacing the gasoline tank in a conventional car. This high-voltage battery, typically a lithium-ion battery, stores the electrical energy needed to power the electric motor that drives the wheels. The size and technology of this battery pack directly determine the vehicle's driving range, performance, and charging speed.

These aren't small batteries like the 12-volt one that starts a gas car; an EV's main battery is a complex assembly of hundreds or even thousands of individual battery cells grouped into modules. The key metric for an EV battery is its capacity, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Think of this as the size of your fuel tank. A larger kWh rating generally means a longer driving range.

Here’s a quick comparison of battery sizes and estimated ranges for some popular 2024 models to give you an idea:

Electric Vehicle Model	Battery Capacity (kWh)	EPA-Estimated Range (miles)
Nissan Leaf S	40 kWh	149 miles
Chevrolet Bolt EV	65 kWh	259 miles
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive	57.5 kWh	272 miles
Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range	70 kWh	250 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 6 Long Range	77.4 kWh	361 miles
Tesla Model S Long Range	100 kWh	405 miles
Rivian R1T (Large Pack)	135 kWh	410 miles

Battery technology is a major focus for automakers. While most use variations of lithium-ion, some are introducing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are less energy-dense but are more durable, cheaper to produce, and can be regularly charged to 100% without significant degradation. Proper care, like avoiding consistent use of fast-charging and not regularly draining the battery to zero, can help extend its lifespan, which most manufacturers warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

[ArabellaRose]

Yeah, they sure do, and it’s the whole heart of the thing. My plug-in hybrid has a smaller one for about 25 miles of electric-only driving, but a full EV’s battery is massive. It’s like a huge laptop battery under the floor. That’s why they’re so heavy, but also why the ride is so quiet and smooth. You just plug it in at home overnight instead of going to the gas station. It’s a different kind of thinking about "filling up."

[CalebDella]

Think of it as the car's fuel tank and engine combined, but in a single, sophisticated unit. The battery pack stores immense electrical energy. An electric motor uses this energy with incredible efficiency, converting over 85% of it into motion, compared to about 40% for a gas engine. This electrochemical process is what delivers that instant, silent torque when you press the accelerator. The battery's chemistry and management system are the true engineering marvels, defining the vehicle's capabilities.

[DeJesse]

From a purely practical standpoint, the battery is the single most expensive component of an electric car. It's the primary reason for the higher upfront cost compared to a similar gas model. However, this is balanced by much lower "fuel" and maintenance costs over time. When considering an EV, you're really investing in the battery. Its health and capacity are crucial, which is why manufacturers offer long warranties, typically guaranteeing it will retain a certain percentage of its capacity for 8 years.