Electric vehicles or “Electric cars” offer a compelling alternative to the long-established petrol and diesel vehicles, as they operate much more cleanly and efficiently Driven by rising petrol and diesel prices, growing environmental concerns, and government support—or perhaps a forward-thinking government initiative—electric vehicles are rapidly gaining traction worldwide, particularly in countries like India, and are becoming increasingly popular among the public.
what is an electric car
An electric vehicle is a type of automobile that runs on electricity rather than petrol or diesel. Unlike traditional vehicles, electric cars do not utilize an internal combustion engine; instead, an electric car employs an electric motor, which is powered by a rechargeable battery installed within the vehicle Simply put, an electric vehicle draws power from an onboard rechargeable battery and utilizes that electricity to propel the vehicle. This process makes it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
how electric cars work
Electric cars operate within a simple yet highly effective system:
“Battery Pack”
The battery pack plays a crucial role in an electric vehicle, serving as the reservoir where all the electrical energy is stored. Much like the battery in any other device, an electric vehicle’s battery performs this very same function—albeit on a much larger scale.
“Electric Motor”
An electric motor converts energy into mechanical energy, which drives the vehicle and causes the wheels to rotate.
“Controller”
The controller regulates the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor. Its operation depends on various factors—such as how much pressure you apply to the accelerator—and the vehicle’s speed is directly determined by this controller. Consequently, the controller directs the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor in precise accordance with these inputs.
“Charging system”
To charge an electric vehicle, it is equipped with a dedicated charging point. When charging the vehicle, this point is connected to a power source—such as a home charging outlet or a public charging station. The charging system varies across different electric vehicles; for instance, advanced electric vehicles typically feature a fast-charging system.
types of electric car
1——–Battery Electric Cars (BEV)
Cars BEVs are also known as All-Electric Vehicles (AEV). Electric Vehicles using BEV technology run entirely on a battery-powered electric drivetrain. The electricity used to drive the vehicle is stored in a large battery pack which can be charged by plugging into the electricity grid. The charged battery pack then provides power to one or more electric motors to run the electric car. To find out more about BEVs, click below.
Working Principal Of “BEV”
The power for the electric motor is converted from the DC Battery to AC. As the accelerator is pressed, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the vehicle by changing the frequency of the AC power from the inverter to the motor. The motor then connects and leads to the turning of wheels through a cog. If the brakes are pressed, or the electric car is decelerating, the motor becomes an alternator and produces power, which is sent back to the battery
Examples of BEV Electric Cars –
MG ZS, TATA Nexon, TATA Tigor, Mahindra E20 plus, Hyundai Kona, Mahindra Verito
2———-Hybrid Electric Cars (HEV):
HEVs are also known as series hybrid or parallel hybrid. HEVs have both engine and electric motor. The engine gets energy from fuel, and the motor gets electricity from batteries. The transmission is rotated simultaneously by both engine and electric motor. This then drives the wheels. To find out more about HEVs, click below.
Working Principles of HEV:
The fuel tank supplies energy to the engine like a regular car. The batteries run on an electric motor. Both the engine and electric motor can turn the transmission at the same time.
Examples of HEV Electric Cars :
Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Maruti Grand Vitara
3———–Plug-in Hybrid Electric Cars (PHEV):
The PHEVs are also known as series hybrids. They have both engine and a motor. You can choose among the fuels, conventional fuel (such as petrol) or alternative fuel (such as bio-diesel). It can also be powered by a rechargeable battery pack. The battery can be charged externally. To find out more about PHEVs, click below.
PHEVs can run in at least 2 modes:
- All-electric Mode, in which the motor and battery provide all the car’s energy
- Hybrid Mode, in which both electricity and petrol/diesel are employed
Working Principles of PHEV:
PHEVs start-up in all-electric mode and make use of electricity until their battery pack is depleted. Once the battery gets drained, the engine takes over, and the vehicle operates as a conventional, non-plug-in hybrid. PHEVs can be charged by plugging into an outside electric power source, engine, or regenerative braking. When brakes are applied, the electric motor acts as a generator, using the energy to charge the battery. The engine’s power is supplemented by the electric motor; as a result, smaller engines can be used, increasing the car’s fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
Examples of PHEV Electric Cars :
Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, BMW 330e, Porsche Panamera S E-hybrid, Chevy Volt, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford C-Max Energi, Mercedes C350e, Mercedes S550e, Mercedes GLE550e, Mini Cooper SE Countryman, Ford Fusion Energi, Audi A3 E-Tron, BMW i8, BMW X5 xdrive40e, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volvo XC90 T8.
4———Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV):
FCEVs are also known as Zero-Emission Vehicles. They employ ‘fuel cell technology’ to generate the electricity required to run the vehicle. The chemical energy of the fuel is converted directly into electric energy. To find out more about FCEVs, click below.
Working Principles of FCEV:
| Feature | BEV | PHEV | HEV | FCEV |
| Power sources | Elecriticity | Elecriticity +Gasoline |
Electricity +Gasoline |
Hydrogen |
| Plug-in | yes | yes | No | No |
| Tailpipe emissions |
None | Low | Medium | None |
| Range (Typical) | 150–400+ miles | Varies (Elec + Gas) | Varies (Gas only) | ~300+ miles |
positive and negative use of electric cars
Positive Uses of Electric Cars
- Environmental Sustainability: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
- Lower Running Costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, and regenerative braking reduces brake maintenance.
- Daily Commuting/Urban Use: Their quick acceleration, quiet operation, and ability to charge at home make them ideal for city driving.
- Energy Efficiency: EVs convert a higher percentage of energy (around 60%-77%) into power compared to internal combustion engines (12-30%).
- Government Incentives: Many regions offer tax credits and subsidies, lowering the total cost of ownership.
Negative Uses of Electric Cars
- Long-Distance Travel: Limited range and the need for charging infrastructure can make long-distance travel difficult and inconvenient, causing “range anxiety”.
- High Initial Cost: The purchase price is often significantly higher than equivalent gas vehicles, creating a barrier to entry.
- Long Charging Times: Recharging can take several hours, far exceeding the time needed to fill a gas tank.
- Battery Degradation: Batteries can degrade over time, limiting the car’s range and requiring expensive replacements.
- Environmental Impact of Production: Battery manufacturing is energy-intensive and involves mining for materials, which can create environmental issues.