At least one electrode assembly is configured to enable like charged ions to convert potential energy of the like charged ions into kinetic energy based on the Coulomb forces therebetween via linear alignment thereof, or enable a first portion of like charged ions to convert potential energy of the first portion of like charged ions to kinetic energy based on interaction with the Coulomb forces of a second portion of like charged ions, or enable a first portion of like charged ions to convert potential energy of a second portion of like charged ions to kinetic energy based on similar interaction. Various electrode assemblies are described and corresponding methods of converting potential energy of like charged ions to kinetic energy. The like charged ions are configured to form a passive electric field voltage source that may have one or more electric field monopoles to enable motion of a mobile assembly.