Externally, the easiest way to recognise an EV (or HEV or PHEV!) is knowing the make or model of the vehicle, or if not, then by the badging. Many include an‘E’in the name, e-tron, GTE or BMW 330e for example. The other outside feature will be the charging port. This may be under what looks like a fuel filler flap or in some cases behind the manufacturers' badge.
Inside the car, the dashboard is a little different from an ICE vehicle and, for example, will usually show the word‘Ready’when switched on – this is the equivalent of having the engine running. There is also likely to be a battery meter showing the state of charge.
Under the bonnet, the most obvious feature will be bright orange cables. These are the ones that carry the very high voltage. They are perfectly safe to touch, if they are not damaged, but always best left to the experts.
Many pure EVs have a green stripe on the number plates. If all else fails, when identifying a vehicle, we could look in the driver’s handbook!