Vehicles that run on electricity or a mix of electricity and gas are on the roads in ever-increasing numbers.

In 2022, electric vehicles (EVs) made up 14% of cars on the road worldwide. That number is expected to keep rising as more types of EVs become available.

Level 3 EV charger

There are three types of EVs:

Battery electric vehicle
  • Uses a battery to store electric energy that powers the motor.
  • Charges battery by plugging into an electric power source.
  • Can travel more than 300 miles on one charge.
Hybrid electric vehicle
  • Uses gas and electricity interchangeably to maximize fuel efficiency.
  • Uses an electric engine at lower speeds and a gas engine at higher speeds.
  • The batteries charge while you drive, meaning you don't need to plug the vehicle in.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
  • Powered by a gasoline engine and electric motor that uses energy from a battery.
  • Plugs into electric power source to charge the battery.
  • When the electric motor depletes, the gasoline engine takes over.
  • Can travel over 50 miles in all-electric mode and up to 500 total miles before refueling.

Learn more about EVs on the Alliant Energy website

Fun facts about EVs

EV car charging in a family garage
EVs are better for the environment

Since electric vehicles can run on a rechargeable battery, they produce fewer emissions — the stuff that comes out of a tailpipe. 

EVs are high performance and low maintenance

Vehicles powered by electricity are quiet and fast. They don’t need to rev up an engine to get speed – they respond as soon as the driver hits the pedal. And EVs come with the latest in gadgets and digital perks, like an app to control the charging status. 

EVs can charge at home

Driving an EV means you can charge your car at home. (No more freezing at the gas pump during the winter.) And, on average, it costs half as much to charge an electric vehicle than it does to fuel up a gas-powered vehicle.

What's next for EVs?

businessman next to an Alliant Energy EV
Longer distances

The electric range of EVs (the distance the car can drive on one charge) is improving. 

Quicker charge times

Fast charging stations are getting more popular.

More places to charge

Gas stations, hotels, restaurants, parks and communities are adding EV charging stations for public use. Having an EV charger can make a restaurant, or even a city, a more popular travel destination. 

More options and lower prices

Every year, there are more options for purchasing a new EV. Almost every type of vehicle, even pickup trucks, have an EV option now. People also have the option to purchase a used EV.

With advancements in technology and increasing benefits, electric vehicles will one day become the norm. Gas-powered vehicles will be a thing of the past.