Among all the inventions we’ve seen, electric vehicles (EVs) have been the flagbearer of modern engineering and innovation over the past decade. Most of us even consider them as the most eco-friendly mode of transport right now. But do you know how EVs work and what makes them better than traditional cars we’ve driven for decades?
Well, this blog will uncover the secret science behind all the basic components that make EVs the best of their kind and how they function together to give a smooth, efficient and environment-friendly driving experience.
Keep reading till the end to learn more.
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The way how EV cars work is a fascinating combination of technology and smart engineering. EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional cars and at their core, EVs are powered by three key components:
The traditional cars we see on the roads rely on internal combustion engines. On the other hand, EVs use electricity stored in their batteries to power an electric motor which then drives the wheels. This setup eliminates the need for a combustion engine and gasoline and also simplifies the mechanics of the vehicle.
But what makes each of these components so special? Let’s break it down and explore how they come together to make EVs the future of transportation.
Let’s start with the battery pack, the heart of every electric vehicle. EVs receive energy via these batteries and, depending on its type and complexity, is what makes an EV more expensive initially.
A battery pack is a large collection of smaller battery units or modules coupled together, just like in your phone or laptop but much more powerful. Each battery module consists of multiple cells. You can consider it as the fuel tank of an EV, but instead of holding gasoline, it stores electrical energy.
EV batteries are quite heavy which is why electric vehicles require special types of tires with advanced materials and tread designs to handle that extra weight as well as minimize the ground resistance and improve grip and stability.
Among different types of electric vehicles, most use lithium-ion battery (LIBs) packs. LIBs have improved features like energy density (how much power they can store), power density (how quickly they can deliver that power) and even lifespan.
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A recent research by Recurrent has also supported the use of lithium-ion batteries in EVs. According to Liz Najman, Recurrent's Director of Market Insights, he was surprised at how well batteries were holding up and how relatively infrequently they needed replacement.
The battery pack is usually mounted on the car’s floor, which gives the added benefits of more available space, lower center of gravity and a higher stability with better handling. Most EVs run solely on electric power, unless it’s a hybrid electric vehicle.
Batteries store electrical energy when charged > electrical energy is discharged to power the motor and converted into mechanical energy > the motor drives the car wheels.
The functions of battery packs are managed by a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS makes sure that each module charges and discharges evenly to prolong the battery life, monitors cell voltage, temperature and even controls the cooling system to keep the batteries working at their best.
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If the battery is the heart, the power electronics are the brain of an electric vehicle. This complex control system works like a computer that controls the flow of electric power between the battery, the motor and the charging unit to electric vehicles work smoothly in an energy-efficient way.
The power electronics systems are mounted as close to the motor and inverter as possible so that any electrical losses could be minimized and the system remains highly energy efficient.
Here’s how power electronics work: when you press the accelerator, the power electronics system tells the inverter to send the correct amount of power to the motor. In addition, it also manages the regenerative braking system (RBS) – one of the coolest features of EV technologies.
RBS uses the potential energy of the vehicle when you brake downhill and partially converts it back into electricity to recharge the battery.
The power electronics keep communicating with the battery management system (BMS) to make sure the batteries aren’t overcharged or discharged. In addition, the system also keeps a check on vehicle’s speed and position so that the motor control and efficiency can be maximized.
And here’s a fun fact: driving an EV isn’t just better for the planet—it’s better for your stress levels too. A study in 2018 led by Dr. Duncan Williams, an expert in acoustics, found that professional drivers experienced lower stress levels, reduced heart rates and overall improvement in the concentration level while driving as compared to traditional diesel vehicles.
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He further explained that the quieter driving environment allows the EV drivers to concentrate better which in turn creates a calmer and more focused experience. So, with less stressful driving, not only are EVs eco-friendly but they’re also better for your own health.
Now, let’s talk about the electric motor – the component that truly sets EVs apart. While gasoline cars have internal combustion engines that are much more complex, electric cars are run by one or more electric motors that are simple as well as highly efficient.
In fact, electric motors for automotive have an incredible energy conversion rate where over 90% of electrical energy is transformed into mechanical energy. In contrast, gasoline engines only have a 30% efficiency level. That means less wasted energy and more power for your drive.
Electric motors are also more reliable than gasoline engines because they have fewer moving parts. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no exhaust systems – just smooth, quiet power and high torque.
The electric motors are typically mounted between the vehicle's wheels.
To understand how EVs work, you have to know the function of motors. An electric traction motor convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy and provide the necessary power for the vehicle to run properly.
In single-motor EVs, the power is transferred to the wheels through a gearbox and a differential. In dual-motor and multi-motor EVs, each motor powers a set of wheels. With a multi-motor EV, you get an all-wheel drive and a better traction for a smoother and more controlled driving experience.
The motors are usually set between the wheels of the car. The battery supplies the power to the motor through an inverter. The converts the direct current (DC) from the battery to the required alternating current (AC) used by the motor.
The inverter also controls the speed of the motor by adjusting the frequency of alternating current.
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