This document discusses the history and present state of electric vehicles. It notes that electric vehicles have lower emissions and fuel costs than gas vehicles. However, electric vehicles currently have higher upfront costs and more limited range between charges. The document outlines different types of electric vehicles like plug-in hybrids and describes the key components of an electric vehicle like batteries and motors. Challenges to electric vehicle adoption include high battery costs, limited driving range, and perceptions around safety and reliability. Research aims to address these issues to increase electric vehicle adoption over time.