The functioning mechanism of electric vehicles differs from that of internal combustion engines. We’ll look at the primary components of EV to describe its key properties.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gradually becoming a part of modern life, thanks to their excellent fuel efficiency, environmental friendliness, and smooth driving experience, which have piqued the interest of many environmentally aware consumers. EVs are not the same as regular internal combustion engines automobiles. The two categories differ in many ways, from the underlying mechanism and operating principle to usage and maintenance procedures. Understanding the differences would be the ideal first step for a buyer to measure his or her interest in electric vehicles. A foray into a new field of expertise is always risky, but given the undeniable trend toward electricity, there’s no reason to be hesitant.
Let’s understand the components of electric vehicles and we look into the secrets of electric mobility by going over their functions.
EVs, as is generally known, use the electricity stored in the battery to cycle the motor and provide the power required for driving. This is the most significant difference from internal combustion cars, which generate power by burning fossil fuel. As a result, EVs do not require the engine or gearbox, which are two of the most important components of internal combustion engines. EVs, on the other hand, have several electric power components: the motor, the battery, the onboard charger, and the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU). All are required for the conversion of the battery’s electricity into the kinetic force that propels the electric vehicle ahead.
Motor
The motor turns electric energy into kinetic energy, which is used to propel the wheels forward. The benefits of employing a motor rather than an engine are numerous: first, the noise and vibration that we associate with cars are reduced. Many people who ride in electric vehicles for the first time are taken aback by how quiet and comfortable the journey is. Furthermore, because the EV powertrain is smaller than the engine, more room is available for efficient vehicle design, such as increased cabin space or storage.
The motor also functions as an electric generator, converting kinetic energy generated in neutral gear (for example, while driving downhill) into electric energy stored in the battery. When the car slows down, the same energy-saving concept applies, culminating in the so-called “regenerative braking system.” Some Hyundai EVs feature a device that allows drivers to modulate the amount of regenerative braking using paddle shifters on the steering wheel, which not only increases fuel economy but also adds a unique and exciting element to driving.
Reducer
The reducer is a type of transmission that efficiently transmits the motor’s power to the wheel. But there’s a reason it’s called a reduction: the motor spins at a much greater RPM than an internal combustion engine, so unlike gearboxes, which vary the engine RPM to match the driving situation, the reducer must always lower the RPM to a suitable level. The EV powertrain may make use of the increased torque as a result of the slower RPM.
Battery
The battery is similar to a gasoline tank in an internal combustion engine in that it stores electrical energy. The battery capacity of an EV is frequently used to determine its maximum driving distance; the bigger the capacity, the longer the driving distance. In this context, increasing the capacity may appear to be an easy solution, as a longer driving distance eliminates the inconvenient necessity for frequent charging station stops. However, the option isn’t so straightforward because the battery’s size and weight have a significant impact on vehicle performance. The larger and heavier battery reduces cabin/storage space while also lowering energy efficiency and fuel economy.
The greatest method to improve performance is to increase the energy density of the battery, which means having a tiny, light battery that can store as much electric energy as feasible.
Recent EVs have significant battery density and driving range improvements over older versions, thanks to recent developments in battery technology. The Kia Soul Booster EV, for example, comes with a 64kWh lithium-ion battery that can go 386 kilometers (according to Korean certification standards). The battery life has also improved significantly: the Soul Booster EV’s battery may now last the whole vehicle’s life cycle, assuming regular usage patterns.
To begin, understand that the battery life of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles varies depending on the charging pattern. The battery can be used for 1,000 charges if the entire battery is exhausted and recharged to full; 5,000 charges if the battery is used to half (50 percent) and recharged; 8,000 charges if one-fifth of the battery is used (20 percent) and recharged. The battery may survive for 8,000 days if the Soul Booster EV is driven for 77 kilometers per day (equal to 20% of the maximum driving distance) and recharged every night (22 years).
Battery Management System(BMS)
The Battery Management System (BMS) coordinates the actions of the battery’s multiple cells so that they can function as a single unit. The battery in an electric vehicle is made up of tens to thousands of mini-cells, each of which must be in a similar condition to the others for the battery’s durability and performance to be optimized.
The BMS is usually embedded into the battery’s body, but it can also be incorporated into the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU). The BMS primarily monitors the charge/discharge status of the cell, but when it detects a faulty cell, it automatically modifies the cell’s power status (on/off) via a relay mechanism (a conditional method for opening/closing other circuits).
- Battery Heating System
The battery’s charging capacity and speed both decrease as the temperature drops. The battery heater exists to keep the battery within the appropriate temperature range, minimizing seasonal performance drops and ensuring the maximum driving distance is maintained. The technology also works while charging, ensuring that the charge is as efficient as possible.
- On-board Charger(OBC)
The On-Board Charger (OBC) converts Alternating Current (AC) from slow chargers or portable chargers plugged into a wall socket into Direct Current (DC) (DC). The OBC may resemble a traditional inverter in appearance, but their functions are fundamentally different: the OBC is for charging, while the inverter is for acceleration and deceleration. In fast charging, the OBC isn’t required because fast chargers already provide direct current electricity.
Electric Power Control Unit(EPCU)
The Electric Power Govern Unit (EPCU) is a device that integrates practically all of the electronics in the vehicle that controls the flow of electric power. The inverter, the Low Voltage DC-DC Converter (LDC), and the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) are all part of it (VCU).
- Inverter
The inverter transforms the DC from the battery to AC, which is then utilized to regulate the motor speed. Because the device is in charge of acceleration and deceleration, it plays a critical role in maximizing the EV’s drivability.
- Low voltage DC-DC Converter
The LDC transforms high-voltage electricity from the EV’s high-voltage battery to low-voltage (12V) electricity, which it then distributes to the vehicle’s different electrical systems. Because all of the electronic systems in an EV run on low voltage power, the high voltage in the battery must first be transformed to make it usable for these systems.
- Vehicle Control Unit
The VCU is likely the most significant component of the EPCU because it is the command center for all-electric power control systems in the vehicle. It is in charge of practically all of the vehicle’s power control methods, including motor control, regenerative brake control, air conditioning load management, and electronic system power supply.
At All India EV, our objective is very clear, that is to aware you about the EV market and promote EV ecosystem.
