  Precision measurements of the electron component in the cosmic radiation
provide important information about the origin and propagation of cosmic rays
in the Galaxy. Here we present new results regarding negatively charged
electrons between 1 and 625 GeV performed by the satellite-borne experiment
PAMELA. This is the first time that cosmic-ray electrons have been identified
above 50 GeV. The electron spectrum can be described with a single power law
energy dependence with spectral index -3.18 +- 0.05 above the energy region
influenced by the solar wind (> 30 GeV). No significant spectral features are
observed and the data can be interpreted in terms of conventional diffusive
propagation models. However, the data are also consistent with models including
new cosmic-ray sources that could explain the rise in the positron fraction.
