Efficiency of EV

AIM

To write the article on the overall efficiency of EV and compare it with IC engines.

1. Introduction

In this chapter, the most important possibilities for increasing energy efficiency of electric vehicles would be considered, regarding energy savings accumulated in the vehicle itself and increasing the range of performances of the cars with given initial resources. Some of the possibilities that should provide such a progress nowadays are:

• Using energy under braking
• Using waste heat energy
• Additional supply by solar cells
• Improved mechanical energy transmission system
• Improved cars shell design
• Increasing of efficiency of power convertors
• Special design of electric engines
• Using supercapacitors, fuel cells and new generation batteries
• Route selection on the criterion of minimum consumption in real time

THEORY

• Energy efficient. EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
• Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.
• Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines (ICEs).

Reduced energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source.Parameter monitoring inside and outside of the vehicle and computerized system control with optimization of energy consumption

Four Types of Electric Vehicles on the Road Today

1. BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle
2. PHEV – (Plug-In) Hybrid Electric Vehicle
3. HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle
4. FCEV – Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

A BEV runs entirely on a battery and electric drive train, without an internal combustion engine. Electricity is stored in onboard batteries that are charged by plugging into the electricity grid. The batteries, in turn, provide power to one or more electric motors.

What you should know about BEVs:

• The initial purchase price is higher than similar gas-powered vehicles.
• You can save a lot of money on fuel and maintenance costs.
• BEVs have driving ranges upwards of 500 km on a full charge, with most models capable of 200 - 250 km on a full charge.
• Batteries can recharge overnight plugged into a regular household outlet (110 volts), or even faster using a residential electric vehicle charging station (240 volts).

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A PHEV runs on battery and gasoline. PHEVS have rechargeable battery packs that provide 20-80km (depending on model) of all-electric driving before a gasoline engine or generator turns on for longer trips.

What you should know about PHEVs:

• The MSRP of a PHEV is slightly higher than similar vehicles operating on internal combustion engines alone.
• PHEVs have longer overall driving distances than BEVs and because they can operate using a gasoline engine or generator and can take advantage of the existing gas station infrastructure.
• Because PHEVs deliver 20-80 km (depending on model) of all-electric driving, they are often cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional gasoline/diesel hybrids.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

A HEV has two complementary drive systems - a gasoline engine and fuel tank and an electric motor and battery. The gasoline engine and electric motor simultaneously turn the transmission, which powers the wheels. Where the HEV differs from the above two types of electric vehicles (BEV and PHEV) is that HEVs cannot be recharged from the power grid. Their electric energy comes entirely from regenerative braking and most of their driving is spent using gasoline.

What you should know about HEVs:

• Because HEVs cycle in and out of electric mode, they are cheaper to operate than internal combustion engines.
• HEVs are more similar to gas cars than to EVs as they do not require access to charging

Fuel-cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

A FCEV creates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, instead of storing and releasing energy like a battery. Because of these vehicles’ efficiency and water-only emissions, some experts consider these cars to be the best electric vehicles, even though they are still in development phases and provide many challenges.

What you should know about FCEVs:

• Purchase price is high because the cost of a fuel cell is several times more expensive than the cost of an internal combustion engine.
• Extracting hydrogen from a water molecule is an energy-intensive process that generates greenhouse gas emissions if renewable energies are not used.
• FCEVs are expected to be widespread on the market in the next few years.
• Since February 12, 2015, the fuel-cell Tucson has been for sale in the Vancouver area, making Hyundai the first original equipment manufacturer to market a fuel-cell vehicle.
• The Toyota Mirai was slated to follow suit, but was stalled due to lack of infrastructure