- What is an EV?
- How do EVs work?
- The difference between ICE, EV and Hybrid vehicles
- Why we’re moving into an electric world
Electric vehicles have come a long way since their first debut into the world of motoring. More drivers across the UK are buying EVs, or considering one as their next car. In 2025, the UK saw record numbers with 473,348 new battery electric cars registered, a 23.9% increase over 2024.
With EVs becoming more affordable, offering longer ranges, and costing significantly less to charge compared to rising fuel prices, it’s easy to see why more drivers are making the switch each year.
However, while interest in EVs continues to grow, many drivers still aren’t sure how an electric car actually works, especially when compared their ICE counterparts. What goes on under the bonnet without an engine? How does a battery power a whole vehicle? To help answer these questions, the team at Eric Stead MG has put together a straightforward guide to how EVs work and what sets them apart as the future of motoring.
What is an EV?
EV simply stands for ‘electric vehicle’. Unlike a hybrid or internal combustion engine (ICE) car, EVs do not have traditional engines. Instead, they use large lithium-ion batteries to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy that powers the car.
In reality, electric vehicles aren’t too different from the miniature remote-controlled cars you might have played with when you were younger. The concept of charging the battery and then driving the vehicle is the same. Much like anything with a rechargeable battery, an EV needs to be plugged in and charged for a period of time before it can be used.
Of course, EVs have come a long way since they first appeared on the motoring market, with modern models offering impressive range, performance, and technology that make the day-to-day experience of driving more comfortable, safe, and efficient than ever before.
How does an EV Work?
As mentioned, instead of a traditional engine, EVs use a large lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle. These batteries store energy through positively charged ions. When you turn on the car, these ions move and release their energy, generating a flow of electrons that powers your vehicle.
Each time the battery goes through a complete process of storing and then releasing this energy, it completes what’s known as a ‘charge cycle’. Over time, the more cycles a battery goes through, the more gradual wear it experiences, similar to how a rechargeable torch or drill battery might hold slightly less charge after years of heavy use. The key difference with EV batteries is the advanced management systems built into them, which keep them working as efficiently as possible, for as long as possible. These systems carefully regulate how the battery charges and discharges, helping to slow down wear and improve the longevity of the battery.
For more information on how long EV batteries last and how to prolong the lifespan of your car’s battery, see our article on How Long Do Electric MG Batteries Last?.
The difference between ICE and EVs
You’ll often see the term ‘ICE’ when reading about electric cars. ICE stands for ‘internal combustion engine’ and describes the traditional vehicles most of us have driven for years. These are cars that burn petrol or diesel to generate power. While ICE vehicles have been the standard on UK roads for over a century, EVs are converting many ICE drivers to electric.
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice between an ICE car and an EV is the gearbox. In a petrol or diesel car, the engine only works efficiently within a certain rev range, so a gearbox is needed to shift between different gears to help you stay within this rev range as you speed up or slow down. Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, the principle is the same. A manual requires you to change gears yourself using a clutch and gear stick, while an automatic selects the right gear for you.
EVs, on the other hand, don’t need a gearbox at all. Electric motors deliver strong, consistent power across a wide range of speeds, so there’s no need to shift between gears. This is one of the reasons EVs feel so smooth to drive, with instant acceleration from a standstill and no gear changes to interrupt the flow. It also means there are fewer moving parts under the bonnet, which can lead to lower servicing costs and fewer mechanical issues over time. On top of that, with no fuel being burned, there are no exhaust emissions to worry about, which is a significant factor for drivers looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Types of Electric Vehicle
Not all electric vehicles work in the same way. Depending on the type you choose, the vehicle will use its power sources differently. Here’s a breakdown of the three main types.
All-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
All-electric vehicles, sometimes referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), run entirely on electricity stored in the battery. There is no fuel engine involved. The car is powered solely by its lithium-ion battery and must be charged via a mains supply or public charging point. Models like the MG4 EV, MGS5 EV and MGS6 EV are a great example of the range and performance a fully electric car can offer.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
Hybrid vehicles pair a traditional petrol engine with an electric motor, and the clever part is that they charge themselves. You never need to plug a hybrid in. Instead, the car captures energy that would otherwise be lost when you slow down or brake.
This recovered energy is stored in a small battery and then used to assist the engine at lower speeds, typically under 30mph, or during stop-start driving around town. The result is less fuel used and fewer trips to the petrol station. Because the two power sources work together automatically, there’s nothing extra for the driver to think about. The car handles the switching for you. The MG3 Hybrid+ and MG HS Hybrid+ are great examples of how this technology works in practice, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience without the need for a charging cable.
For a more detailed look at how hybrids operate, see our guide on How Do Hybrid Electric MGs Work?.
Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs)
Plug-in hybrids sit somewhere between a fully electric car and a traditional hybrid. They still have a petrol engine, but they also carry a much larger battery than a standard hybrid, which means they can travel significant distances on electric power alone. Like a fully electric car, you charge a PHEV by plugging it in at home or at a public charging point, and for shorter journeys, such as the daily commute or school run, you may not use any petrol at all.
When the battery runs low on a longer trip, the petrol engine takes over automatically, so there’s no risk of being caught short on range. The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid showcases this balance well, offering up to 75 miles of electric-only driving on a single charge before the engine steps in.
Why Drivers Are Moving to EVs
With more drivers making the switch to electric each year, it’s worth understanding what’s driving the change. Here are some of the key reasons EVs are becoming a popular choice for UK drivers.
Cheaper running costs
Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially when charging at home during off-peak hours. Many drivers find that a full overnight charge costs just a few pounds, providing enough range for the daily commute and beyond.
Simple home charging
For many drivers, charging at home overnight is the easiest option. Plugging in before bed will often give you a full charge of range by morning, even without a fast charger.
For more information on charging, see our guide on Charging an MG EV.
More affordable than ever
EVs are becoming increasingly accessible thanks to the release of cars like the MG4 EV, which offers impressive range and performance at a competitive price point.
Ready to Find Your First EV?
Whether you’re considering a fully electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid, or a self-charging hybrid, there’s an MG to suit your needs.
Speak to our friendly team at Eric Stead MG today or explore our latest electric and hybrid models online. We’re always happy to help you find the right car for your next journey.