News: How Electric Cars Work in Simple Terms: The Mechanics Behind Modern EVs

Imagine a world where your vehicle produces no harmful gases, requires no stops at the gas station, and runs almost silently while delivering peak performance. Electric cars (EVs) are making this vision a reality. These advanced vehicles are not just an evolution in transportation but a revolution.

In this blog, we’ll learn about how electric cars work, explore their core components, and reveal the mechanics behind their efficiency. Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or new to the concept, this guide will simplify the technology powering modern electric vehicles.

Introduction

Electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EVs, signify a groundbreaking change in the automotive sector. Unlike conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs depend on electricity stored in batteries to operate their engines, providing a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option for transportation. This approach not only lessens our reliance on fossil fuels but also significantly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

To fully grasp the concept of electric vehicles, explore our comprehensive guide about the basics of EVs, including their types, remarkable benefits, and the future of electric cars in Cambodia, check out our Electric Cars article.  

In the following sections, we’ll break down the essential components of an electric car to give you a clear understanding of how they function and why they are shaping the future of transportation.

Key Components of an Electric Car

The intricate system of an electric car operates seamlessly through these vital components, as detailed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Alternative Fuels Data Center”:

Battery: The battery pack is the heart of an electric car, storing the electrical energy that powers the motor. It's made up of many individual battery cells connected in series and parallel. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in EVs, due to their high energy density and long lifespan. Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and typically ranges from 40 kWh to over 100 kWh. A higher kWh rating directly translates to an extended driving range for your electric car, giving you a longer time to travel further without frequent recharging.

Charge Port: The charge port is the connection point where you plug the car into to charge the battery. There are different types of charge ports, but the most common are:

• SAE J1772: This is the standard charging port for most EVs in North America. It's also known as the J-Plug and is used for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
• CCS Combo: This is a newer type of charging port that can be used for both AC and DC fast charging.

DC/DC Converter: The DC/DC converter boosts the voltage from the 12-volt battery to the higher voltage required by the electric motor and other electrical components.

Electric Traction Motor: The electric traction motor is the engine of an electric car. It converts electrical energy from the battery pack into mechanical energy that turns the wheels. Electric motors are recognized for their high efficiency, silent operation, and immediate torque. There are two main types of electric motors used in EVs: AC induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs).

Onboard Charger: The onboard charger converts alternating current (AC) electricity from the grid to direct current (DC) electricity, which is used to charge the battery pack. Onboard chargers typically range in power from 3.3 kW to 22 kW. A higher-power onboard charger can significantly reduce charging times.

Power Electronics Controller: The power electronics controller manages the flow of electricity between the battery pack, the electric motor, and the onboard charger. It controls the voltage and current to optimize performance, efficiency, and safety.

Thermal System: The thermal system ensures the battery pack and electric motor operate at an ideal temperature. Maintaining this balance is crucial, as extreme heat or cold can negatively impact battery performance and longevity. To control temperatures, the system may rely on air cooling or a liquid coolant.

Traction Battery Pack: The traction battery pack serves as the enclosure for the battery cells. It is usually positioned beneath the car's floor to enhance safety and optimize weight distribution for better performance.

Transmission: Unlike gasoline-powered cars that use a multi-speed transmission, electric cars typically use a single-speed reduction gear. This is because electric motors can deliver a wide range of torque at all speeds. The reduction gear helps to match the motor's speed to the desired wheel speed.

In Summary

Electric cars operate by converting stored electrical energy into mechanical motion. When plugged in, the car's onboard charger transforms household AC power into DC power, which is then stored within the battery pack. This stored energy serves as the fuel for the electric motor.

How Electric Cars Work

• Energy Storage:
  
  
• The charging process involves the onboard charger converting AC electricity from the grid into DC electricity.
• This DC power is then directed to the battery pack, where it's stored within individual battery cells.
• Imagine the battery pack as a reservoir gradually filling with electrical energy.
• Power Delivery:
  
  
• When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, a signal is sent to the car's electronics.
• The power electronics controller responds by drawing the necessary electrical energy from the battery pack.
• Motor Activation:
  
  
• This drawn electrical energy is then supplied to the electric motor.
• Within the motor, a fascinating process of electromagnetic induction occurs.
• Essentially, the electricity generates a magnetic field that interacts with the motor's components, resulting in a spinning motion.
• Wheel Rotation:
  
  
• This spinning motion within the motor is transmitted to the wheels through a transmission system (or, in many cases, a simpler gear reduction).
• This rotation of the wheels drives the vehicle to move forward.
• Regenerative Braking:
  
  
• A unique feature of electric cars is regenerative braking.
• When the driver decelerates or applies the brakes, the motor's rotation reverses.
• This reversed rotation acts as a generator, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy back into electrical energy.
• This recovered energy is then cleverly fed back into the battery pack, effectively extending the driving range.

In essence, electric cars efficiently convert stored electrical energy into mechanical energy to power the wheels. This process eliminates tailpipe emissions, making electric cars a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation option.

How to Charging Electric Cars:

• Home Charging: The most common way to charge an EV is at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. Level 1 chargers operate using a standard 120-volt outlet and are the slowest charging option available. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can charge your EV much faster.
• Public Charging Stations: Public charging stations are becoming increasingly common, offering both Level 2 and DC fast charging options. DC fast chargers can add a significant range to your EV in a short amount of time.

If you want to buy convenient accessories like a portable EV Charger and more for your electric car, we provide all car accessories & parts that you might need.

Types of Electric Cars

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles are powered solely by an electric motor and battery pack. They have no gasoline engine.

Examples: Tesla Model 3/Y/S/X, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6

• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These cars are equipped with an electric motor and a gasoline engine. They can be plugged in to charge the battery, allowing for all-electric driving for a certain distance.

Examples: Ford Escape PHEV, Toyota Prius Prime, Chevrolet Volt

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): HEVs combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine. However, they cannot be plugged in to charge the battery. The battery is charged using regenerative braking and the energy produced by the gasoline engine

Examples: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

If you’re interested in one of these electric cars or you wish to know more about car brands and market pricing. Browse our collection of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) available today on used & new electric cars  

What are the Differences Between Full Electric and Hybrid?

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids have distinct ways of powering our journeys, each with its own unique features and advantages:

Full Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• Power Source: Run entirely on electricity stored in a large battery pack.
• Emissions: Produce zero tailpipe emissions.
• Range: Typically, EVs offer ranges between 150 to 400+ miles, depending on the battery size and model.
• Charging: Plugging into an external power source like a home charger or public charging station is required.
• Maintenance: Generally simpler, as they lack complex components like internal combustion engines.

Hybrids (HEVs and PHEVs):

• Power Source: Combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a smaller battery.
• HEVs: Use regenerative braking and the engine to charge the battery.
• PHEVs: Can be plugged in to charge the battery for short all-electric trips.
• Emissions: Emit less than conventional gas-powered vehicles, but not as clean as EVs.
• Range: Benefit from longer ranges due to the dual power sources, often over 500 miles.
• Usage: Ideal for those who want an electric driving experience without full reliance on charging infrastructure.

Does All Electric Cars Produce No Emissions?

While electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, it's important to consider the entire lifecycle. This includes:

• Driving Emissions:

EVs run on electricity, eliminating the release of pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter (PM) from exhaust systems.

• Electricity Generation:

The environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) is significantly influenced by the way the electricity they use is generated.

Renewable Sources: Wind, solar, and hydroelectric power make EVs virtually emission-free.

Fossil Fuels: In regions relying on coal or natural gas, EVs indirectly contribute to emissions during electricity production.

• Manufacturing and Batteries:

Battery production for EVs is resource-intensive and can generate emissions, especially during the mining of raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. However, technological advancements are reducing this impact.

However, the environmental impact of electric cars is significantly lower than gasoline-powered vehicles, especially when charged with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

Conclusion 

By understanding how these vehicles work, their various components, and the different types of charging available, you can make a careful decision about whether an EV is the right choice for you.

If you’re thinking about buying your first electric vehicle or are planning to transition to electric, check out our website or the Liberty Carz app to explore over 9,000 cars available on the app, featuring hundreds of pre-owned and new electric vehicles that suit any budget. More than that, there are plenty of great deals every month, you can discover attractive offers on EVs and benefit from our competitive financing options!