A plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) is any road vehicle that can utilize an external source of electricity (such as a wall socket that connects to the power grid) to store electrical energy within its onboard rechargeable battery packs, to power an electric motor and help propel the wheels. PEV is a subset of electric vehicles, and includes all-electric/battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).[5][6][7] Sales of the first series production plug-in electric vehicles began in December 2008 with the introduction of the plug-in hybrid BYD F3DM, and then with the all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV in July 2009, but global retail sales only gained traction after the introduction of the mass production all-electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt in December 2011.Plug-in electric cars have several benefits compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. All-electric vehicles have lower operating and maintenance costs, and produce little or no air pollution when under all-electric mode, thus (depending on the electricity source) reducing societal dependence on fossil fuels and significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, but recharging takes longer time than refueling and is heavily reliant on sufficient charging infrastructures to remain operationally practical. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are a good in-between option that provides most of electric cars' benefits when they are operating in electric mode, though typically having shorter all-electric ranges, but have the auxiliary option of driving as a conventional hybrid vehicle when the battery is low, using its internal combustion engine (usually a gasoline engine) to alleviate the range anxiety that accompanies current electric cars.

Cumulative global sales of highway-legal plug-in electric passenger cars and light utility vehicles achieved the 1 million unit mark in September 2015,[8] 5 million in December 2018.[9] and the 10 million unit milestone in 2020.[10] Despite the rapid growth experienced, however, the stock of plug-in electric cars represented just 1% of all passengers vehicles on the world's roads by the end of 2020, of which pure electrics constituted two thirds.[11]

As of December 2023, the Tesla Model Y ranked as the world's top selling highway-capable plug-in electric car in history.[1] The Tesla Model 3 was the first electric car to achieve global sales of more than 1,000,000 units.[12][13] The BYD Song DM SUV series is the world's all-time best selling plug-in hybrid, with global sales over 1,050,000 units through December 2023.[14][15][16][17][18][19]

As of December 2021, China had the world's largest stock of highway legal plug-in electric passenger cars with 7.84 million units, representing 46% of the world's stock of plug-in cars.[20] Europe ranked next with about 5.6 million light-duty plug-in cars and vans at the end of 2021, accounting for around 32% of the global stock.[21][22][23] The U.S. cumulative sales totaled about 2.32 million plug-in cars through December 2021.[24] As of July 2021, Germany is the leading European country with cumulative sales of 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road,[25] and also has led the continent plug-in sales since 2019.[22][26] Norway has the highest market penetration per capita in the world,[27] and also achieved in 2021 the world's largest annual plug-in market share ever registered, 86.2% of new car sales.[28]

Introduction:

Human civilization, a sprawling tapestry woven across millennia, stands as a testament to our species' ingenuity, resilience, and boundless capacity for adaptation. This article embarks on a grand journey, tracing the pivotal moments, transformative technologies, and societal shifts that have shaped the trajectory of human civilization, from the earliest hunter-gatherer societies to the interconnected global network we inhabit today.

Early Hominids and the Origins of Civilization:

The Primate Ancestors:

Delving into the evolutionary lineage of hominids, exploring the key adaptations that led to the emergence of Homo sapiens, including bipedalism, larger brain capacity, and complex tool-making abilities.

The Pleistocene Epoch:

Examining the nomadic lifestyle of early humans, the development of rudimentary tools, and the impact of the Ice Age on migration patterns.

The Agricultural Revolution:

A turning point in human history, discussing the domestication of plants and animals, the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled communities, and the emergence of early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China.

Ancient Civilizations and Their Legacy:

Mesopotamia:

Analyzing the rise and fall of Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires, including their contributions to writing, mathematics, astronomy, and legal codes.

Ancient Egypt:

Exploring the enduring legacy of the Nile River Valley civilization, with a focus on monumental architecture, hieroglyphic writing, complex social structures, and advancements in medicine.

Ancient Greece:

Examining the philosophical, artistic, and political achievements of the Greek city-states, including the development of democracy, the works of Plato and Aristotle, and the influence of Greek mythology.

Ancient Rome:

Discussing the expansion of the Roman Empire, its legal system, engineering feats like aqueducts and roads, and the impact of Roman culture on Western civilization.

Medieval Era and the Rise of Islam:

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire:

Analyzing the factors contributing to the decline of Rome and the emergence of fragmented kingdoms in Europe.

The Spread of Islam:

Exploring the rise of the Islamic Caliphate, its cultural and intellectual contributions, and the development of Islamic art, science, and mathematics.

The Byzantine Empire:

Examining the continuation of Roman traditions in the Eastern Roman Empire, with a focus on its religious and artistic legacy.

Feudalism in Europe:

Analyzing the social and economic system of feudalism, the role of knights, and the emergence of powerful monarchies.

The Early Modern Era:

The Renaissance:

Examining the intellectual and artistic rebirth in Europe, with prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, and the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman texts.

The Age of Exploration:

Discussing European voyages of discovery to the Americas, Africa, and Asia, the Columbian Exchange, and the impact on global trade patterns.

The Reformation:

Analyzing the religious movement led by Martin Luther, the establishment of Protestantism, and the subsequent religious wars across Europe.

The Scientific Revolution:

Examining the emergence of modern science with figures like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, and the shift from geocentrism to heliocentrism.

The Modern Era and Global Interconnectivity:

The Enlightenment:

Exploring the intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individual rights, the works of philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, and its influence on the American and French Revolutions.

The Industrial Revolution:

Analyzing the transition from manual labor to machine production, the development of steam power, and the rise of factories and urbanization.

Imperialism and Colonialism:

Examining the European powers' expansion and exploitation of colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and the resulting social and political consequences.

World Wars and the Cold War:

Discussing the devastating impact of the two World Wars, the rise of nuclear weapons, and the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Contemporary World:

Globalization:

Exploring the interconnectedness of global economies, the rise of multinational corporations, and the challenges of cultural exchange.

Technological Advancements:

Discussing the impact of the digital revolution, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and their implications for society.

Environmental Concerns:

Examining the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable practices.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive examination of human civilization highlights the intricate web of interconnected events, innovations, and societal shifts that have shaped our world. By understanding the past, we can better navigate the complexities of the present and envision a future that is both sustainable and equitable.