Electric cars are the new normal in the automotive industry. They are gaining rapid popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional engine cars. The core difference between the working of both cars is the fuel used to power the car. Electric cars use an electric motor powered by current stored in batteries. Since there is no fossil fuel burning, a number of functions and steps can be exempted.
Let’s shed some light on how electric cars work and dissect the different working principles of these cars.
Electric Car Working Principle
The working principle of electric cars is based on the traction electric motor. This traction electric motor can also be termed the engine of electric cars. The controller extracts electric energy from the batteries and supplies them to the inverter.
From the inverter, the current flows into the electric motor where electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy rotates the transmission connected with wheels and enables the car to move.
Electric Car: How It Works
The UAE government is focused on reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles, and for this, electric vehicles are a suitable option. Multiple initiatives have been taken by the government to facilitate the usage of electric cars in the UAE.
Before purchasing an electric car, let’s understand the working and functions of different electric car components.
Electric Motor
The electric motor operates on alternating current. Therefore, the first step in working an electric motor is converting direct current from the battery into alternating current with the help of an inverter. Once the current is converted, it enters the motor and makes it workable.
The two major components of an electric motor are the stator and rotor. The stator is a fixed part of the machine; the stator uses energy to create a magnetic field that then turns the rotor. The turning force generated by the rotor is then converted into mechanical energy to rotate the tyres.
The working of electric cars is more or less similar to that of petrol or diesel engines, but internal combustion engines depend on thermal energy to rotate the wheels. Whereas, in electric cars, it is electric energy.
Traction Battery Pack
The car battery works as a storage system that stocks direct current that is later used to power the electric motor. The traction battery pack supplies the current to the inverter when it receives a signal from the controller.
This is the core job of the traction battery pack to store and supply current wherever needed. Currently, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used in electric cars.
Power Inverter
The inverter is responsible for converting direct current into alternating current and then this alternating current is supplied to the motor. Along with this, the inverter is also responsible to convert the alternating current generated from the regenerative braking into a direct current.
This direct current is then used to recharge the battery. Generally, bi-directional inverters are used in electric cars.
Power Electronics Controller
A controller unit is a combination of an inverter and a converter that recharges the battery pack during the regenerative braking. A controller unit is responsible for regulating the current flow and storage in the battery.
Charge Port
The charging port is an inlet that allows the car to get charged. There are different types of car chargers, like off-board and on-board chargers to aid in chagrin the vehicle adequately. Apart from chargers, a myriad of options is also available in the charging ports.
Transmission System
EVs are equipped with a single-speed transmission system. The current from the electric motor is transferred to the gearbox that is then used to rotate the drive wheel. The transmission system is accompanied by an open differential to control the traction and slip differential of the vehicle.
These were the complete explanations of how electric cars work. Electric cars can be considered the future of the automobile industry due to their reduced carbon footprint and eco-friendliness. If you are interested in reducing your vehicle’s carbon footprint, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and purchase a vehicle with lower emission levels.
FAQs
How much electricity does an electric car need?
On average, an electric car needs 0.20kWh/km to run smoothly.
Does an electric car have an engine?
No, electric cars do not have an engine. Rather, an electric motor is used to power the car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on electric cars and how they work.
Related Posts
