Electric vehicles (EVs)opens in same window run on an electric motor powered by a battery that can be re-charged. They can be either "fully electric" or "hybrid electric," using a combination of an electric motor and a gas-powered engine to extend the range, but both types of EVs can be plugged into a wall outlet — similar to how you re-charge your cell phone.
But how does the technology in EVs really work? Here's a basic primer on the rechargeable batteries, electric motors and charging systems behind these vehicles.
Battery Pack: A car's battery stores energy and provides power to the vehicle's components, including its electric motor. It's the most important and expensive part of an electric vehicle. Within a battery packopens in new window, there are:
- Battery cells: Typically made of lithium-ion, the battery cells are where the energy is stored.
- Battery management systems: Using a combination of software and sensors, battery management systems constantly monitor and manage the battery's condition and charge level to maximize performance and life span.
- Cooling and thermal management systems: These systems keep batteries cool in the summer and warm in the winter to ensure optimal conditions.
Charge Port: You know that slot on your phone where you plug in your charger? EVs have one, too. The "charge port" is where EVs receive energy when connected to a charging cable. That cable can be plugged into a simple wall outlet, or into a more powerful commercial charging stationopens in new window — the only difference being the speed at which electricity is delivered through the charge port.
Chargers: While the "port" is on the car, the "charger" is what's on the other end of the cord — in other words, the type of outlet you plug your car into. There are three levels of EV chargersopens in the same window:
- Level 1: This standard, 120-volt outlet charges EVs at the slowest rate — around 2-5 miles per hour — and is typically only used in a pinch, as it could take 40-50 hours to fully charge the vehicle.
- Level 2: These 240-volt outlets — commonly used for clothes dryers, ovens and air conditioners in most households — can charge EVs much faster, at a rate of 10-20 miles per hour. Most EV owners have this type of charger installed in their garage, facilitating an easy overnight charge.
- Level 3: These chargers are only available at public charging stations because of the high level of voltage involved. Level 3 chargers generally take 20-60 minutes to bring batteries from 10% to 80% charge.
Inverter: The inverter is the unsung hero of the electric car. Batteries store DC power, which flows in a single direction, but engines rely on AC power, which moves in a wave-like pattern. The inverter slices and dices the electrons, converting them from DC power to the AC power the motor needs to run. Inverters also help to control an EV's speed through the pace it sends power to the motor.
Electric traction motor: These specialized motors are designed for high-torque uses and often deployed in cars and trains. The motor is made of two main parts — the stator and the rotor. The stator is usually made of copper coils looped around an iron core. The rotor is a rotating part that usually has magnets on it.
When the traction motor receives power, the electric current creates a magnetic field when it flows through the stator's coils. The magnetic field and magnets on the rotor cause the rotor to spin, a motion that generates the mechanical energy that drives the car forward.
Regenerative Braking System: Most EVs supplement the power received from electrical outlets with additional power gathered from the car's own braking system. These "regenerative brakingopens in new window" systems convert the kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy and store it in the battery to be used later.
Vehicle Control Unit: The vehicle control unit is a car's "brain," bringing together data from the motor, battery, charging systems and more to ensure the car operates safely and efficiently.
In summary: The technology used in EVs is both similar and different from that used in internal combustion vehicles. Much like internal combustion vehicles store gasoline in a tank to power an engine, EV technology stores electricity in a battery to power an electric motor. Both types of vehicles require regular refueling — through either a gas hose or an electrical cord — and both types run more efficiently when the temperature is regulated (not too hot, not too cold). Either way, you're moving forward.
To learn more about EVs, visit www.Chase.com/EVopens in the same window.
