Do electric cars use alternators?

Question

how do electric cars work?

Do they use an alternator?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

If you think of the electric motor being an alternator when providing regenerative braking, ie when slowing down the motor operates in "reverse",  putting energy back into the batteries , then yes.

Generally the alternator as found on an infernal combustion engine is just another one of those complicated parts that electric cars don't need. Normally there will be a dc-dc converter to provide the 12v supply for the car auxillary electrics from the main high voltage (eg 120v) battery pack.

Answer 2

No, they are battery-powered.  You recharge them by plugging them in.

Answer 3

Total electric ones don't have a rotating alternator to recharge the battery or run anything, because the onboard batteries get charged by an external source while the car is parked, such as the AC generators at the electric company.