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An EV is a vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery charged from an external source. Plugging-in cars to home power sources is becoming more popular, and it is cheaper than buying gasoline for a traditional vehicle. While EVs have environmental benefits, the downside outweighs the climate change attributes for many drivers. EV batteries require rare earth metals where mining is a significant environmental challenge. EVs are only as green as the power sources. If the electricity is fossil fuel-generated, it destroys the environmental benefits. Electric cars tend to be more expensive than gasoline-powered cars, and replacing the battery is a significant cost. EVs typically have a shorter travel range than gasoline-powered cars and can take a long time to recharge. Moreover, there are far fewer charging points than gas stations.
As the technology develops, carmakers will likely address these issues, but an investment in the leading EV ETF products has been a loser since late 2021. Tesla (TSLA) remains the most recognizable EV brand and the carmaker with the top market cap in late March 2023.