The present invention relates to a drive mechanism of an electric vehicle that is realized only by means of one or more electric motors that are connected to at least one storage battery, wherein a generator is provided that can be connected for supplying energy to the drive mechanism, wherein the generator is coupled to a Wankel engine that drives only the generator when needed, but delivers no driving power as torque to the drive train of the electric motor or motors of the drive mechanism. A method for operating an electric vehicle is also presented.