Decoding the Mechanism: How Electric Vehicles Work and Their Working Principles

With rising concerns over pollution and soaring fuel prices, the need to transition to cleaner modes of transportation has become more urgent than ever. As a result, car manufacturers have begun investing significant resources in the research and development of electric vehicles (EVs). 

If you're curious about how electric vehicles work, the different types of motors used, and the various categories of electric vehicles available, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the mechanics of the electric revolution and gain a deeper understanding of these groundbreaking vehicles.

Understanding Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles, commonly called EVs, rely on electricity as their primary power source instead of conventional internal combustion engines. By utilizing one or more electric motors, they convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, offering an alternative to fossil fuels while significantly reducing harmful emissions.

Evolution of Electric Vehicles: From Inception to Modern Success

Electric vehicles (EVs) have a rich and captivating history that dates back to the 19th century. Let's explore the milestones in the development of EVs, starting with William Morrison's groundbreaking invention in 1870. 

• 1870: In 1870, William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, introduced the first practical electric car in the United States. While Morrison's creation was essentially an electrified wagon, it marked a significant milestone in the history of EVs. His invention sparked curiosity and laid the foundation for future advancements in electric vehicle technology. 

• 1901: In 1901, there was a growing demand for electric cars, leading inventors to focus on enhancing the technology. One notable figure, Thomas Edison, believed in the superiority of electric cars and worked on developing better batteries. 

• 1908 to 1912: Around the turn of the century, from 1908 to 1912, electric vehicles gained popularity in the United States. However, the abundance of cheap gasoline and advancements in internal combustion engines over the following 50 years reduced the need for alternative fuel vehicles. Nonetheless, during the 1960s and 1970s, rising petrol costs renewed interest in electric cars. 

• 1973: In 1973, both large and small automakers started exploring possibilities for alternative fuel vehicles. General Motors, for instance, showcased a prototype for an urban electric automobile at the First Symposium on Low Pollution Power Systems Development. 

• 1974 to 1983: Between 1974 and 1983, the Sebring-Vanguard CitiCar emerged as a booming electric vehicle. This small wedge-shaped car ranged 50 to 60 miles, and over 2,000 CitiCars were manufactured. The popularity of the CitiCar propelled Sebring-Vanguard to become the sixth-largest carmaker in the United States by 1975. 

• 1983 to Now: Since 1983, electric vehicles have continued to evolve and reach their third century as a commercially viable product. Electric cars' success has resulted from various technical innovations that have come and gone over time. 

Electric Vehicle Working

Electric vehicles (EVs) convert electric energy into mechanical energy, which is then utilized to generate kinetic energy and enable vehicle mobility. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs use an electric motor instead of a combustion engine.

The electric motor in an EV is responsible for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. It generates rotational motion, which drives the vehicle's wheels and provides the necessary propulsion. This motor is powered by a battery pack, which replaces the need for a traditional gas tank.

The engine is connected to a transmission system for different gear ratios and speeds in a gasoline-powered vehicle. While the transmission system remains similar in electric vehicles, all-electric cars typically have a simplified gear system since electric motors can provide instant torque and a wide range of rotational speeds without requiring complex gear changes.

To understand how the electric vehicle work, look at the points outlined below:

• The battery retains electrical energy when it is charged. The energy stored is used to power the electric motor and other accessories/components.
• The controller controls the flow of electrical energy to the motor.
• The controller regulates the power flow based on data from the accelerator pedal.
• The electric motor converts electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy.
• The gearbox transfers mechanical energy from the motor to the wheels.
• The vehicle's energy to slow or brake is returned to the battery pack.
• The charging port can be used to charge the battery pack. The onboard charger converts AC (alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current).
• You may charge the battery by connecting an external power source to the car's charging port.
• An EV also has an auxiliary battery, which powers the vehicle's accessories and other equipment.
• To replenish the auxiliary battery, a DC-to-DC converter transforms high-voltage current from the battery pack to low-voltage current.

Types of Electric Vehicles

There are four primary types of electric vehicles available:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Also known as All-Electric Vehicles (AEVs), BEVs rely solely on electric drivetrains powered by a battery pack. These vehicles store electricity from the grid in their batteries, which power one or more electric motors to propel the car.
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): HEVs combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. The engine primarily runs on fuel, while the motor receives electricity from batteries. Both the engine and motor work in tandem to rotate the transmission, which ultimately drives the wheels.
3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs, also called series hybrids, feature both an engine and an electric motor. They provide flexibility in fuel choice, allowing the vehicle to be powered by conventional fuel (e.g., petrol) or alternative fuel (e.g., bio-diesel). Additionally, PHEVs come equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be externally charged.
4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): FCEVs, also known as Zero-Emission Vehicles, utilize fuel cell technology to generate the electricity required to power the vehicle. These vehicles directly convert chemical energy from a fuel source into electric energy, typically hydrogen.

Components of an Electric Vehicle

Listed below are the components of an electric vehicle:

• Battery (auxiliary): The auxiliary battery in an electric vehicle supplies electricity to power the vehicle's accessories and various systems.
• Charge port: The charge port enables the electric vehicle to connect to an external power source for charging the main traction battery pack.
• DC/DC converter: The DC/DC converter converts the higher-voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power required to operate vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.
• Electric traction motor: The motor uses the traction battery pack to drive the wheels. In some cases, motor generators perform both drive and regeneration functions.
• Onboard charger: The onboard charger takes AC electricity supplied through the charge port and converts it into DC power to charge the main traction battery. It also monitors battery characteristics like current, voltage, temperature, and state of charge during the charging process.
• Power electronics controller: The power electronics controller manages the flow of electrical energy the traction battery delivers, controlling the speed and torque of the electric traction motor.
• Thermal management system (cooling): The thermal system ensures that the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components maintain a proper operating temperature range, preventing overheating and maintaining efficiency.
• Traction battery pack: The traction battery pack stores the electrical energy used by the electric traction motor to propel the vehicle.
• Electric transmission: The electric transmission transfers the mechanical power generated by the electric traction motor to drive the wheels, allowing for smooth acceleration and efficient power delivery.

Conclusion

We hope you know the working principle of electric vehicles. If you're interested in gaining further knowledge and pursuing a career in the evolving field of electric vehicle design and development, Skill-Lync's Post-Graduate Program in Electric Vehicle Design & Development can be a valuable resource. This program can provide comprehensive insights into the intricate workings of electric vehicles and equip you with the skills needed to excel in this domain. Talk to our experts and book your free demo with us.