An electric vehicle, also called an EV, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric vehicle may be powered through a collector system by electricity from off-vehicle sources or may be self-contained with a battery, solar panels, or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity.
Working of electrical vehicles:-
The layout of an electric vehicle is shown in fig.
- The battery used in an electric car is a lead-acid battery whose only disadvantage is relatively low specific energy(27-33wh/kg)
- Sodium-sulfur type with specific energy 78-81 wh/kg is a good alternative but of very high cost and use it yet limited
- The drive controller takes power from the batteries and delivers them to the motor.
- The drive controller consists of two variable resistors operated by an accelerator pedal or brake pedal.
- An accelerator pedal signal is sent to drive the controller through a resistor to adjust the power to the motor.
- Two resistors (potentiometers) are used for safety.
- The drive controller gets signals from both the potentiometers but operates only if two signals are equal.
- The drive controller takes in about 300 volts DC from the battery set and converted it into a maximum of 240V three-phase AC to send to the same motor.
Working of Electric Vehicles:
Electric vehicles (EVs) use electricity from batteries to power an electric motor, which then drives the wheels of the vehicle. The batteries are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electrical outlet or charging station, and the energy stored in the batteries is used to power the vehicle’s motor. When the vehicle is in use, the electric motor converts the stored electrical energy into motion, driving the wheels of the vehicle.
Electric vehicles commonly referred to as EVs, are a relatively new form of transportation that has gained popularity in recent years due to the growing concern over the environmental impact of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, which rely on an internal combustion engine to generate motion, EVs use electricity stored in batteries to power an electric motor that drives the wheels of the vehicle. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the working of electric vehicles and how they differ from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The electric motor:
The heart of an electric vehicle is the electric motor. Unlike the internal combustion engine in a traditional vehicle, the electric motor is a simple device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The electric motor in an EV consists of a rotor (rotating part) and a stator (stationary part). When the battery supplies current to the motor, the magnetic field generated by the current attracts and repels the magnetic field generated by the stator, causing the rotor to rotate. The rotation of the rotor is what generates the motion of the vehicle.
The batteries:
The batteries in an electric vehicle are responsible for storing the electrical energy that powers the electric motor. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which store energy in the form of gasoline, EVs store energy in the form of chemical energy stored in the batteries. The type of battery used in an electric vehicle can vary, but most EVs use a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These batteries are relatively light, have a high energy density, and can be recharged many times before they need to be replaced.
Charging:
One of the key differences between electric vehicles and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles is how they are refueled. To refuel a traditional vehicle, you simply visit a gas station and pump gasoline into the tank. To refuel an electric vehicle, you need to plug it into an electrical outlet or a charging station and wait for the batteries to recharge. The charging time for an electric vehicle can vary depending on the size of the batteries and the charging system used, but most EVs can be fully charged in 4-8 hours using a Level 2 charging station.
Driving:
Once the batteries are fully charged, you can start driving the electric vehicle. To start the vehicle, simply press the accelerator pedal, and the electric motor will begin converting the stored electrical energy into motion. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, which rely on gears to control the speed of the vehicle, EVs use a single gear that is directly connected to the electric motor. This provides the smooth and instant acceleration, making EVs a joy to drive.
In summary, the working of an electric vehicle is relatively simple. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor that is powered by batteries, which store the electrical energy needed to drive the vehicle. The vehicle can be refueled by plugging it into an electrical outlet or charging station, and the driving experience is smooth and instant thanks to the direct connection between the electric motor and the wheels.
In conclusion, electric vehicles represent an exciting new form of transportation that offers many benefits over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. They are environmentally friendly, cost-effective to operate and provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. As the technology continues to improve, it is likely that we will see increased adoption of EVs in the coming years.
Advantages of electric vehicles:
- Most electric motors can travel up to 150 –180 km before they need to be charged.
- They have mechanically simpler.
- EVs are zero-emission vehicles.
- Easy to drive because there are no gears or clutch.
- No tailpipe exhaust means no greenhouse gases such as CO2, NOx, and PM10s.
- No oil consumption means less reliance on fuel.
- Cars can be recharged whenever is convenient to the user.
- More cost-effective than regular cars because of long-lasting battery use.
- Cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts.
- Creates less noise pollution because the engine is silent.
- Environmental benefits: EVs produce no emissions and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Cost savings: Running an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than running a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle, as electricity is much cheaper than gasoline.
- Reduced dependence on fossil fuels: EVs reduce the need for fossil fuels, helping to reduce dependence on oil and the associated geopolitical tensions.
- Quiet operation: Electric vehicles are much quieter than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, making them ideal for use in urban areas.
- Better performance: Electric vehicles are capable of delivering smooth, instant acceleration and have high torque, providing a more enjoyable driving experience.
Disadvantages of electric vehicles:
- The range is limited to about 100-150 km because of the need to recharge the batteries.
- The top speed is quite low (about 60 km per hour).
- The life of batteries is quite short, which means a very high replacement cost.
- They are heavy and bulky.
- Their top speed is limited.
- Availability of limited public charging stations.
- Limited range: Electric vehicles have a limited range, which means that they need to be recharged more frequently than gasoline-powered vehicles.
- Long charging times: The process of charging an electric vehicle can take several hours, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- Cost: Electric vehicles are still more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, making them less accessible for many consumers.
- Limited charging infrastructure: The lack of charging infrastructure can make it difficult for electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles when they are away from home.
- Battery life: The batteries used in electric vehicles have a limited lifespan, which means that they will need to be replaced after several years of use.
