by 
The Curious Bag
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Electric cars use an electric motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery. Unlike most cars, including hybrid-electric cars, electric cars do not use gasoline.
Identification
Electric cars are distinguished by their lack of an exhaust pipe and the presence of an exterior outlet for plugging into an electrical outlet for charging. Electric cars have large batteries and often bear a decal or logo indicating that they are electric.
Pros
Electric cars are often considered environmentally cleaner because they do not emit exhaust. Furthermore, they reduce owners' dependency on oil and are less noisy and expensive to operate than standard cars.
Cons
Electric cars still contribute to our carbon footprint because they depend on electricity. They take three or more hours to charge, typically drive only 100 miles per charge, and most parking lots are not equipped with charging stations as of 2009.
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars run on both gasoline and electricity. Plug-in hybrid cars run predominantly on a rechargeable battery and use a small gasoline engine only when the battery needs to be recharged.
Fun Fact
Because electric car motors have high torque, they can be fast. As of 2009, some high performance models can reach 85 to 95 miles per hour or more.
Source:
Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association FAQ
Hybrid Cars.com: A Comprehensive Guide to Plug-in Hybrids
Electro Automotive: FAQ on Performance and Maintenance
Resource:
Electric Cars: A Definitive Guide
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