Electric vehicles (EVs) are finally reaching the mainstream. Just a couple years ago, most EVs—aside from those produced by EV pioneer Tesla—were small commuter cars whose range was limited to less than 100 miles. Now, a whole group of medium-sized EVs are joining Tesla with sedans and crossover sport-utility vehicles that can go more than 250 miles on a single charge.

Even if you know how a gasoline engine works, EVs add a whole new set of components and a different language to describe them. If you are shopping for an EV, or might be in the near future, it could be helpful to know what the different pieces and systems do in a modern electric vehicle.

Here are eight of the major parts that make up an EV. Reading about them won’t provide you with a degree in electrical engineering, but it might help you understand how this exciting new technology works.

Senior Editor Kevin Clemens has been writing about energy, automotive, and transportation topics for more than 30 years. He has masters degrees in Materials Engineering and Environmental Education and a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in aerodynamics. He has set several world land speed records on electric motorcycles that he built in his workshop.

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