Since last year, you’ve likely heard a lot about electric cars. You’ll hear much more in the years to come.

But whether you’re a fan or a foe, understand this: A few of the battery-electric cars you’ve heard about are “real”–meaning their makers want to sell as many as they can.

But quite a few of them aren’t. They’re not meant to lure in consumers, or sell in any kind of volume.

They’re only built to meet California regulations for zero-emission vehicles–which is why they’re called “compliance cars.”

It’s important for buyers, electric-car fans, and the greater public to know which is which, because the automakers won’t tell you.

via Electric Cars: Some Are Real, Most Are Only ‘Compliance Cars’–We Name Names.