A Wonderleaf question
How do electric cars work?
a real page from the book
Electric cars move because a large rechargeable battery sends electricity to a motor. Inside the motor, electric current makes magnetic parts turn, and that turning is passed to the wheels. A computer controls how much power goes out, so a gentle press feels slow and a firm press feels quick.
The clever bit happens when the car slows. The same motor can work the other way, taking motion from the wheels and changing some of it back into electricity for the battery. That is why stopping an electric car can help save energy instead of only warming the brakes.
Wonder words
- battery
- motor
- magnet
- generator
Try it out
Roll a toy car, then slow it with your hand and talk about where the moving energy went.
Read the whole picture book
Watercolour scenes, straight answers, about three minutes cover to cover.
Open the picture bookKeep wondering
- How does a zipper hold together?
- How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt?
- How do airplanes fly?
- How are books made?
- How do refrigerators keep food from spoiling?
And the next question?
Ask anything — Wonderleaf writes and illustrates a picture book for it. That's the whole idea.
Ask your own question