The main components of HEVs are an energy storage system, motor, bidirectional converter, and maximum power point trackers (MPPT, in the case of solar-powered HEVs).
- The function of the battery in an electric car is as an electrical energy storage system in the form of direct current electricity (DC).
- If it gets a signal from the controller, the battery will flow DC electrical energy to the inverter to then be used to drive the motor.
- The type of battery used is a rechargeable battery that is arranged in such a way as to form what is called a traction battery pack.
- There are various types of electric car batteries. The most widely used is the type of lithium-ion battery. Please read the article “Electric Car Batteries and Their Characteristics” to get a little idea about batteries for electric cars.
2. Power Inverter –
- The inverter functions to change the direct current (DC) on the battery into an alternating current (AC) and then this alternating current is used by an electric motor.
- In addition, the inverter on an electric car also has a function to change the AC when regenerative braking to DC and then recharge the battery.
- The type of inverter used in some electric car models is the bi-directional inverter category.
3. Controller –
- The main function of the controller is as a regulator of electrical energy from batteries and inverters that will be distributed to electric motors. While the controller itself gets the primary input from the car pedal (which is set by the driver).
- This pedal setting will determine the frequency variation or voltage variation that will enter the motor. and at the same time determine the car’s speed.
- In brief, this unit manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the traction battery, controlling the speed of the electric traction motor and the torque it produces This component will determine how the electric car work.
4. Electric Traction Motor –
- Because the controller provides electrical power from the traction battery, the electric traction motors will work turning the transmission and wheels.
- Some hybrid electric cars use a type of generator-motor that performs the functions of propulsion and regeneration. Generally, the type of electric motor used is the BLDC (brushless DC) motor.
5. Other Electric Car Components –
- Charger (E) is a battery charging device. Chargers get electricity from outside sources, such as the utility grid or solar power plants. AC electricity is converted into DC electricity and then stored in the battery.
- There are 2 types of electric car chargers:
(i) On-board charger: the charger is located and installed in the car
(i) Off-board charger: the charger is not located or not installed in the car.
6. Transmission –
- The transmission transfers mechanical power from the electric traction motor to drive the wheels.
- The four types of transmissions used in HEVs are:
- Continuously variable transmission
- Automated shifted manual transmission
- Manual transmission
- Traditional automatic transmission with torque converter
7. DC/DC Converter –
This is one of the electric car parts that convert higher voltage DC power from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC power needed to run vehicle accessories and recharge the auxiliary battery.
8. Battery -The auxiliary battery provides electricity to power vehicle accesso in an electric drive vehicle.
9. Thermal System –
This system maintains a proper operating temperature range of the engine, electric motor, power electronics, and other components.
10. Charge Port –
The charge port allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply to charge the traction battery pack.
