E-Study Materials

Topic 1 - What Are Electric Cars?

Electric Car Definition

Electric cars (sometimes referred to as "EV" short for Electric Vehicle) are those vehicles that are powered by an electric motor drawing current from a rechargeable battery, fuel cell, or other portable source of electrical current. While the type of fuel source may change (e.g. battery, fuel cell) the engines are always an electric motor.

Electric Cars Explained

The basic concept behind an electric vehicle (EV) is straightforward: Direct-Current (DC) electricity powers a large electric motor, which then propels the vehicle. Fully electric cars are propelled exclusively by an electric motor, as opposed to an internal combustion motor using gasoline or a hybrid car - which runs on a mixture of gasoline and battery power to fuel the combustion engine and electric motor respectively.

The main advantage of an EV is fuel economy. Hybrid electric vehicles average the equivalent of around 70-100 miles (or 100 MPG). Fully electric vehicles have a driving range that averages between 60 to 120 miles on a full charge (200 to 300 miles for some models). It is important to note that just like smartphones, fully electric EVs have to be recharged when they run out of battery power.

Electric Car History

First production electric car built by English inventor Thomas Parker in the late 1800s

Fully electric cars have undergone a surge in popularity in recent years due to environmental concerns, but electric vehicles were already being made in the late 1800s. The vehicles remained popular until the early 20th century, which is when Henry Ford’s mass-produced Model T was introduced in 1908. The Model T was the first mass-produced internal-combustion-engine vehicles, and sold for half the price of an electric car. After a couple of decades of competition, the internal combustion engine won, mainly because of the limitations of battery technologies and eager Americans wanting to explore the newly built roads connecting cities.

Cheap, abundant gasoline and continued improvements to the internal combustion engine caused public interest in electric vehicles to go into a sort of dark age with minimal advancements in the technology for several decades. Then came the the oil energy crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, which caused the U.S. Congress to pass the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976, authorizing the U.S. Energy Department to support research and development in electric and hybrid vehicles. While this event sparked public awareness and research efforts, the vehicles developed by automakers during this time never made it into mass production. This is due to the fact that many of these vehicles had several drawbacks such as limited performance (usually topping at speeds of 45 miles per hour) and severely restricted range limitations (typical range was limited to 40 miles before needing to be recharged).

Frist production electric car, called the Roadster by Tesla Motors

It wasn’t until around the start of the 21st century (circa 2001) that the true revival of the electric vehicle caught on. This shift in public acceptance of electric vehicles is often attributed to the introduction of the Toyota Prius, which was first released in Japan in 1997 (2000 worldwide release) and became the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle. Subsequent to the Prius, a (previously) small Silicon Valley startup called Tesla Motors, introduced a fully electric luxury electric sports car in 2008 called the Tesla Roadster, that could go more than 200 miles on a single charge. These two events, along with the mass acceptance by the public, has since spurred almost all big automakers to accelerate work on their own electric vehicles.

Consumers today have more choices than ever before when it comes to buying an electric vehicle. With virtually every giant automaker on the planet now selling an electric vehicle, consumers have options for every budget from the economical Leaf by Nissan, to the extreme FFZERO1 one-seater hypercar by Chinese Electric car manufacturer Faraday Future.

How Do Electric Cars Work?

In an electric vehicle, the motor connects to the wheels through a drivetrain similar to the transmission in an ordinary internal combustion vehicle. The only two significantly different components include an electric motor and a controller to regulate the speed the vehicle will move at. The most common electric vehicle power source is the rechargeable lithium ion battery, which acts as a "gas tank" and supplies the electric motor with the energy necessary to move the vehicle.

How do electric cars work diagram?

The following technologies are core components to electric cars:

Electric Motor - All electric cars motors are powered by the same thing (stored electricity) and a motor on an electric car functions in the same basic way as the one that makes a fan turn. There are many different types of electric car motors, with only a few making up the majority of the motors being used in electric cars. Some electric car motors use AC current (like a wall outlet), while others are powered by DC current (true battery power). Additionally, voltage standards may vary for different types of electric vehicles.

Controller - If the battery is the heart of the electric car motor, the controller is the brain as it tells the engine what to do. Electric car controllers function as the connection between the battery and the motor, dictating how much of motor's energy is transmitted to the wheels, preventing the electric motor from burning out. When the driver presses down on the gas pedal, the controller sends the power to the engine to increase the speed. As soon as the driver removes his foot from the acceleration pedal, no further power goes through. The controller on an electric car can be either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

Rechargeable Batteries - The battery is the heart of an electric car. There are several different types of battery packs used in electric vehicles, including Lithium-Ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Lead-Acid. They are typically mounted low down in the car, to keep their substantial weight close to the ground. Recharging batteries can either source power externally (e.g. Charging stations) or through regenerative brakes. Regenerative brakes stop your car from throwing energy away every time you stop, by recycling your car’s generated electricity. The way this works is that the car's electric motor becomes a generator so that when the brakes are engaged, the car slows down as your kinetic energy turns to electricity that recharges the battery.

Electric Car Pros and Cons

Pros

Emissions - Electric cars produce virtually no CO2 emissions. The caveat here is that unless the vehicles’ stored electricity came from a wind turbine or a solar panel, the vehicle is still producing some form of emissions via electricity generation in a distant power plant somewhere. This caveat will only get less important as electricity generation methods becomes greener.

Efficiency - Electric cars are considerably more efficient than gasoline cars. This is because electric motors are simply more efficient than internal combustion engines (about 80 percent), which waste a high proportion of the fuel they burn as useless heat. This increased efficiency translates into reduced dependency on oil (both domestic and foreign) and direct economic savings for EV owners.

Performance - Electric cars provide quiet, smooth and strong acceleration. Since electric motors can produce high torque at low speeds, electric cars can accelerate significantly quicker than gasoline cars; which don't produce their peak torque until they’ve reached relatively high speeds. The unique “axle-twisting” power offered by EVs is almost felt by passengers instantaneously. Furthermore, most electric vehicles are designed with aerodynamics and a lower center of mass to reach a near ideal weight distribution.

Maintenance - Electric cars require almost none of the maintenance that gasoline powered vehicles do (e.g. oil changes, emissions checks). Even the average life expectancy of an EV battery is expected to be around a decade. The principle driver behind EV’s reduced maintenance is the fact that electric motors have only one moving part - the motor shaft. Conversely, internal combustion engines have hundreds of moving parts creating intense heat and force generated by an unending series of little explosions. Simply ensure that your electric vehicle has a sufficient charge, properly inflated tires, and you are good to go.

Economics - Given the considerable efficiency of electric cars compared to internal combustion models, the cost per mile to fuel an EV is approximately one-third to one-quarter the cost of gasoline (on a cost per mile basis). Other benefits include access to carpool lanes, dealership incentives, competitive lease rates, Federal and State Tax Credits and other government incentives. If you were to pair your EV with home-generated solar power, the savings get quite lucrative.

Cons

Driving Range - Often referred to as “range anxiety,” refers to the fear of running out of juice when you're nowhere near a charging station. Most EV ranges are typically limited to 60 to 120 miles on a full charge, although some models can upwards of 200 miles. While 60 to 120 miles is plenty for local driving and commuting to work, EV owners should still be cognizant of routes beyond predictable local driving. This involved taking steps to ensure that extended travels are either within range, or at least allow for time to recharge.

Recharging Time - Fully recharging electric vehicle battery packs can take 4 to 8 hours, and long road trips are not advisable. Even so called "fast charges" which provide up to 80% capacity (50 miles) can take 30 min. Although recharging requires thoughtful planning, most typical drivers will not be burdened by the required charging schedule. A good point is that public DC “Quick Charging Stations” are increasingly becoming more available in higher density regions.

Slow Adoption for Public Infrastructure - The electric vehicle market is still very young and public charging stations aren’t exactly located on every other corner like gasoline stations are. The commonality of “range anxiety” will have to be a thing of the past for EVs to become ubiquitous. However, as EV adoption grows, a deeper concern is the strain on existing power grids. Charging an electric car at a designated electric vehicle charging circuit, has been compared as the equivalent of adding one house to the grid. As pointed out above, not all cities are equipped to handle that demand, and the problem will only become more difficult as adoption increases

Price Tag - The sticker price on most electric vehicles is usually higher than a comparably sized gasoline-powered car. For those interested in a luxury electric vehicle, both the Tesla Model S and BMW i8 reach into the 6 figure price range. Most EVs qualify for various tax breaks to help reduce the window price and opting to install a home charging station can set you back a few thousand when factoring in installation. Opting for a discounted “Used” EV may not always be available, as the inventory of used EVs has not been well established yet.

Lacking Consumer Choice - Presently, there is only a limited choice for consumers to choose from when it comes to buying a fully electric car. Of the limited pool of vehicles to choose from, they range from super economical (Nissan Leaf) to the very pricey and sporty (Tesla Model S, BMW i8). The reason behind this is because there is often a trade off between styling and efficiency. The EV market will eventually reach an equilibrium where you can get a car that’s universally attractive, very efficient, and affordable to the average person.

Topic 2 - ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MODULE

Description

Electric Vehicle Battery Systems provides operational theory and design guidance for engineers and technicians working to design and develop efficient electric vehicle (EV) power sources. As Zero Emission Vehicles become a requirement in more areas of the world, the technology required to design and maintain their complex battery systems is needed not only by the vehicle designers, but by those who will provide recharging and maintenance services, as well as utility infrastructure providers. Includes fuel cell and hybrid vehicle applications. Written with cost and efficiency foremost in mind, Electric Vehicle Battery Systems offers essential details on failure mode analysis of VRLA, NiMH battery systems, the fast-charging of electric vehicle battery systems based on Pb-acid, NiMH, Li-ion technologies, and much more. Key coverage includes issues that can affect electric vehicle performance, such as total battery capacity, battery charging and discharging, and battery temperature constraints. The author also explores electric vehicle performance, battery testing (15 core performance tests provided), lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells and hybrid vehicles. In order to make a practical electric vehicle, a thorough understanding of the operation of a set of batteries in a pack is necessary. Expertly written and researched, Electric Vehicle Battery Systems will prove invaluable to automotive engineers, electronics and integrated circuit design engineers, and anyone whose interests involve electric vehicles and battery systems.

Futures:

High drain battery packs, environmental-friendly;

High capacity, low internal resistance, long cycle life up to 1000 times;

Free of fire or explosion even in the condition of acupunctured or short circuit;

The dimension, protection board and the shell can be customer-made;

Excellent performance with high-current discharge and in high temperature environment

Topic 3 - How Do Battery Electric Cars Work?

Battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, use electricity stored in a battery pack to power an electric motor and turn the wheels. When depleted, the batteries are recharged using grid electricity, either from a wall socket or a dedicated charging unit. Since they don’t run on gasoline or diesel and are powered entirely by electricity, battery electric cars and trucks are considered “all-electric” vehicles.

When driven, BEVs don’t produce tailpipe pollution—they don’t even have a tailpipe. However, the electricity they use may produce heat-trapping gases and other pollution at the source of its generation or in the extraction of fossil fuels. The amount of pollution produced depends on how the electricity is made. In the United States, battery electric cars charged off the dirtiest coal-dominated grid still produce less pollution than their gasoline-powered counterparts. BEVs powered by renewable energy sources like wind or solar are virtually emission-free.

Not using gasoline or diesel also means that battery electric cars are significantly cheaper to fuel than conventional vehicles. Exact comparisons depend on the vehicle model and fuel prices, but driving a BEV can save drivers over $1,000 annually in gasoline money.

Battery electric vehicle features

Like other electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, BEVs minimize wasted energy by turning the car off when stopped (“idle-off”) and by charging the battery when braking (“regenerative braking”). Electric motors are also inherently more energy-efficient than gasoline or diesel engines.

How battery-electric cars work

Battery electric cars run entirely on electricity and can be significantly cleaner than gas-powered vehicles.

Battery electric cars have the added benefit of home recharging. A 240-volt outlet, similar to those used for clothes dryers, can charge a vehicle overnight. Fully-charged, most battery electric cars have a driving range of between 70 to 100 miles, well within the day-to-day range requirements of most Americans, though some BEVs can go up to 265 miles on a single charge. An increasing number of public and workplace charging stations provide added charging capacity.

Topic 4 - ELECTRIC CAR CHARGING

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is an important aspect of EV ownership. With power rating, connector type, cabling requirements and vehicle specification to consider, Zap-Map has created a series of step-by-step guides that cover the key issues related to EV charging.The following sections provide an overview of the guides including Public charging networks, Charging at home, Charging at work, On-street residential charging, Charge point types, and EV charging.

There are three main types of EV charging – rapid, fast, and slow. These represent the power outputs, and therefore charging speeds, available to charge an EV. Note that power is measured in kilowatts (kW)

Rapid chargers are one of two types – AC or DC [Alternating or Direct Current]. Current Rapid AC chargers are rated at 43 kW, while most Rapid DC units are at least 50 kW. Both will charge the majority of EVs to 80% in around 30-60 minutes (depending a battery capacity). Tesla

Superchargers are also Rapid DC and charge at around 120 kW. Rapid AC devices use a tethered Type 2 connector, and Rapid DC chargers are fitted with a CCS, CHAdeMO or Tesla Type 2.

Fast chargers include those which provide power from 7 kW to 22 kW, which typically fully charge an EV in 3-4 hours. Common fast connectors are a tethered Type 1 or a Type 2 socket (via a connector cable supplied with the vehicle).

Slow units (up to 3 kW) are best used for overnight charging and usually take between 6 and 12 hours for a pure-EV, or 2-4 hours for a PHEV. EVs charge on slow devices using a cable which connects the vehicle to a 3-pin or Type 2 socket.

Charging at home is often the most convenient and cost effective way to recharge an EV. Government grants are available for the installation of home EV charge points, and a large number of companies offer a fully installed charge point for a fixed price.

Most home chargers are either rated at 3 kW or 7 kW. The higher powered wall-mounted units normally cost more than the slower 3 kW option, and halve the time required to fully charge an EV. Many plug-in car manufacturers have deals or partnerships with charge point suppliers, and in some cases provide a free home charge point as part of a new car purchase.

In most cases, home-based charging requires off-street parking to avoid trailing cables across public footpaths and public areas. All EV charging units are wired directly to the central metering unit, usually on its own circuit for safety and to enable monitoring separate from other electrical loads. While less common, on-street residential charging units are becoming available in some local authority areas.

An increasing number of companies are installing workplace EV charging units for use by employees and visitors. As with home-based charging, plugging-in an EV at the workplace charging makes sense as an employee vehicle will typically be stationary for most of the day when it can be conveniently charged. Work-based chargers can also play a role in attracting customers to visit a commercial or retail site.

While workplace charge points are similar to home-based units, power-ratings tend to be higher with more 7 kW and 22 kW units installed. More business units are double socket allowing them to charge two cars at the same time. The higher power units also enable plug-in company fleets to ‘opportunity’ charge in the middle of the day to increase the effective number of business miles driven per day without having to use more expensive charging on the public rapid network.

Company benefits in the form of grants and enhanced capital allowances are available for workplace charging units. Company owners can decide whether to provide free charging or top charge a fee to use the facilities, many opting for zero or low cost to incentive EV usage within the company and by customers and visitors.

For employees, charging at work can be a convenient way to recharge an EV whilst parked during the day. From a business point of view, having a charge point at the workplace will become increasingly important as a facility for employees and visitors, while for businesses with an EV fleet it can be an essential operating factor.

Similar to the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, the Government offers businesses, organisations, charities, and local authorities financial support to have charge points installed at their premises under the Workplace Charging Scheme. The grant provides up to £500 per socket at 75% of the total cost of installation – up to a maximum of 20 sockets – to be installed on dedicated off-street parking for staff, visitor, or fleet use. To find an accredited WCS charge point installer in your area, enter your postcode in the search box below.

Topic 5 - How to Build Your Own Electric Car

Step 1:Mount Batteries and Controller

Now mount the controller and batteries. The controller which is used normally is same as the one used in forklifts. Place the batteries smartly by using the space appropriately. Trap and bracket them all in place.

Step 2 :Find an Apt Gasoline

The first step is to look for an appropriate gasoline car that can be converted. Although the choice is completely yours, you should look for a car that is enough roomy and has manual transmission as the batteries will take lots of space to sit. Don't go for very old car, but it you like one then ensure that its assembly and gear transmission is intact.

Step 3: Select a Battery Type

Choose the type of battery you require. There are many different options like high output sealed battery and lead acid, marine deep cycle battery. There are many more options to choose from, based on the type of electrolyte they utilize. They may be gelled, flooded and absorbed glass mat batteries. Do the math depending on the power/voltage you require and buy the batteries that are most suitable. Connect all the batteries you have bought in series.

Step 4 : Detach Unwanted Gasoline Car Components

Now starts the gasoline car's transplant operation. Detach the gas engine, gasoline tank, exhaust mechanism, catalytic converter, clutch and radiator and remove them.

Step 5 : Start Writing As Per Electric Circuit Diagram

Draw a correct circuit diagram, before doing the electric wiring. Keep all the manual transmissions intact and using adapter plate, attach a motor. Fix the motor using customized brackets.

Step 6: Build Reduction Gear Set

Electric motor needs a reduction gear to customize the mechanism of gear for maximum efficiency. To achieve this you can either build a new tailored reduction gear or fix the current gear system permanently in first or the second gear.

Step 7: Decide on Maximum Electrical Voltage Output

The next thing is to decide at what electrical voltage you want to run your car. The range can vary from 90 V to 190 V. The voltage amount will tell you the number of batteries that you will need. It will also determine the AC motor and controller specifications.

Step 8: Wire the Installed Components

Now comes the wiring of the components. Connect the battery and controller with the motor as well as with each other using some high power cables. Install a separate motor if your original car had power steering mechanism.

Step 9: Install Compressor, Heater and Air Conditioner

If your car has an air conditioner, then mount another motor to make its compressor work efficiently. A vacuum pump should be installed in order to operate its brake booster. A small water heater should also be installed in the heater's core to drive the car's heating mechanism.

Step 10: Installation of DC to DC Converter and Wiring Accessories

DC to DC converter should be installed to power all accessory batteries. No need of gas gauge anymore. Just replace it with a suitable calibrated voltmeter that can slow down the charging level of your car's batteries. Connect accelerator pedal to controller with potentiometer in middle as connection link.

Step 11: Install the Power Relay Mechanism

Install the Power Relay Mechanism

The manual transmission's exiting reverse gear can be now operated using an AC motor. Replace the gear changing mechanism with an electrical switch. Lastly, install relay switching mechanism which connects and disconnects your car from its batteries. So, now it is the switch which turns your car "ON" and "OFF". Now connect the ignition switch with the relay, in order that the relay gets operated via the ignition switch. You can install a different charging mechanism for your car's batteries. Place a charging socket on your car's exterior and then wire the whole charging mechanism with it.

Step 12:Time to Test

If you have manages to put all the things properly, your car is ready for testing. Individually test each and every part. Test the working of controller with accelerator pedal. When you end up with the testing stage, you are all set for the electric car's test drive. And once that goes efficiently and successfully, you're ready for pollution free and smooth drive in the electric car!

Don't forget to compare car from other Electric Cars available in the market.

Topic 6 - How an electric motor works in a car?

A three-phase, four-pole induction motor is made of two main parts: a stator and a rotor. The stator is made of three parts: a stator core, conducting wire, and frame. The stator core is a group of steel rings that are insulated from one another and then laminated together.

These rings include slots on their inside that the conducting wire will wrap around to form the stator coils. Simply put, in a three-phase induction motor, there are three different wire types. You can call these wire types Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3.

Each wire type is wrapped around the slots on opposite sides of the inside of the stator core. Once the conducting wire is in place within the stator core, the core is placed within the frame.

How does an electric motor work?

Because of the complexity of the topic, the following is a simplified explanation of how a four-pole, three-phase AC induction motor works in a car. It starts with the battery in the car that is connected to the motor. Electrical energy is supplied to the stator via the car’s battery. The coils within the stator (made from the conducting wire) are arranged on opposite sides of the stator core and act as magnets, in a way. Therefore, when the electrical energy from the car battery is supplied to the motor, the coils create rotating, magnetic fields that pull the conducting rods on the outside of the rotor along behind it. The spinning rotor is what creates the mechanical energy needed to turn the gears of the car, which, in turn, rotate the tires. Now in a typical car, i.e., non-electric, there is both an engine and an alternator. The battery powers the engine, which powers the gears and wheels. The rotation of the wheels is what then powers the alternator in the car and the alternator recharges the battery. This is why you are told to drive your car around for a period after being jumped: the battery needs to be recharged in order to function appropriately. There is no alternator in an electric car.

So, how does the battery recharge then? While there is no separate alternator, the motor in an electric car acts as both motor and alternator.

Electric motor-voltage

Fig. 1. The term alternating current defines a type of electricity characterized by voltage and current that varies with respect to time.

This is due to the alternating nature of the AC signal that allows the voltage to be easily stepped up or stepped down to different values.That’s one of the reasons why electric cars are so unique.

As referenced above, the battery starts the motor, which supplies energy to the gears, which rotates the tires. This process happens when your foot is on the accelerator — the rotor is pulled along by the rotating magnetic field, requiring more torque. But what happens when you let off of the accelerator? When your foot comes off the accelerator the rotating magnetic field stops and the rotor starts spinning faster (as opposed to being pulled along by the magnetic field). When the rotor spins faster than the rotating magnetic field in the stator, this action recharges the battery, acting as an alternator.

Alternating current vs direct current

The conceptual differences behind these two types of currents should be obvious; while one current (DC) is consistent the other (AC) is more intermittent. However, things are a bit more complicated than just that simple explanation, so let’s break these two terms out in a bit more detail.

Direct current (DC)

The continuous current refers to a constant and unidirectional electric flow. Furthermore, the voltage keeps the polarity in time. On batteries, in fact, it is clearly marked which the positive and negative poles is. These use the constant potential difference to generate a current always in the same direction. In addition to batteries, fuel cells and solar ones, also the sliding between specific materials can produce direct current.

Alternating current (AC)

The term alternating current defines a type of electricity characterized by voltage (think water pressure in a hose) and current (think rate of water flow through the hose) that vary with respect to time (fig. 1). As the voltage and current of an AC signal change, they most often follow the pattern of a sine wave. Due to the waveform being a sine wave, the voltage and current alternate between a positive and negative polarity when viewed over time. The sine wave shape of AC signals is due to the way in which the electricity is generated.

Another term you may hear when discussing AC electricity is frequency. The frequency of the signal is the number of complete wave cycles completed during one second of time. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and in the United States the standard power-line frequency is 60 Hz. This means that the AC signal oscillates at a rate of 60 complete back-forth cycles every second.

Why is this important?

AC electricity is the best way to transfer useable energy from a generation source (i.e., a dam or windmill) over great distances.

Fig. 2. A polyphase system uses multiple voltages to phase-shift apart from each one in order to go intentionally out of line.

This is due to the alternating nature of the AC signal that allows the voltage to be easily stepped up or stepped down to different values.This is why your home’s outlets will say 120 volts AC (safer for human consumption) but the voltage of a distribution transformer which supply power to a neighborhood (those cylindrical grey boxes you see on the power line poles), might have voltage as high as 66 kVA (66,000 volts AC).

AC power allows us to construct generators, motors, and distribution systems from electricity that are far more efficient than direct current, which is why AC is the most popular energy current for powering applications.

How does a three-phase, four-pole induction motor work?

Most large, industrial motors are induction motors and they are used to power diesel trains, dishwashers, fans, and countless other things. However, what exactly does an “induction” motor mean?

In technical terms, it means that the stator windings induce a current to flow into the rotor conductors.

In layman’s terms, this means that the motor is started because electricity is induced into the rotor by magnetic currents instead of a direct connection to electricity, like other motors such as a DC commutator motor.

What does polyphase mean? Whenever you have a stator that houses multiple, unique windings per motor pole, you are dealing with polyphase (fig. 2).

It is most common to expect a polyphase motor to be made up of three phases, but there are motors that utilize two phases. A polyphase system uses multiple voltages to phase-shift apart from each one in order to go intentionally out of line.

Electric motor - three phases

Fig. 3. Three phase refers to the electrical energy currents that are supplied to the stator via the car’s battery .

What does three phase mean? Based around Nikola Tesla’s basic principles defined in his polyphase induction motor put forth in 1883, “three phase” refers to the electrical energy currents that are supplied to the stator via the car’s battery (fig. 3).

This energy causes the conducting wire coils to start to behave like electromagnets. A simple way to understand three phase is to consider three cylinders, shaped in a Y formation, utilizing energy pointed toward the center point to generate power. As the energy is created, the current flows into the coil pairs inside the engine in such a way that it naturally creates a north and south pole within the coils, allowing them to act like opposite sides of a magnet.

Top performing electric cars

As this technology continues to advance, the performance of electric cars are starting to quickly catch up to, and even outperform, their gas counterparts. While there remains some distance for electric cars to go, the leaps that companies like Tesla and Toyota have made to this point have inspired hope that the future of transportation will no longer be reliant on fossil fuels. At this point, we all know the success that Tesla is experiencing in the field, putting out the Tesla Model S Sedan that is capable of driving up to 288 miles, hitting 155 MPH, and has 687 lb-ft torque.

However, there are dozens of other companies that are seeing massive progress in the field, such as Ford’s Fusion Hybrid, Toyota’s Prius and Camry-Hybrid, Mitsubishi’s iMiEV, Ford’s Focus, BMW’s i3, Chevy’s Spark, and Mercedes’ B-Class Electric (fig. 4).

Electric motor - Performace

Electric cars and the environment

Electric engines impact the environment both directly and indirectly at a micro and macro level. It depends on how you want to perceive the situation and how much energy you want. From the individual standpoint, electric cars do not require gasoline to run, which leads to cars with no emissions populating our highways and cities. While this presents a new problem with additional burden of electricity production, it alleviates the strain from millions of cars densely populating cities and suburbs putting toxins into the air (fig. 5).

Note: The MPG (miles per gallon) values listed for each region is the combined city/highway fuel economy rating of a gasoline vehicle that would have global warmings equivalent to driving an EV. Regional global warming emissions ratings are based on 2012 power plant data in the EPA’s eGrid 2015 database. Comparisons include gasoline and electricity fuel production emissions. The 58 MPG U.S. average is a sales-weighted average based on where EV’s were sold in 2014. From a large-scale perspective, there are several benefits to the rise of electric cars.

Conclusion

The electric engine is changing the course of history in the same way that the steam powered engine and printing press redefined progress. While the electric engine is not paving new grounds in the same vein as these inventions, it is opening up a brand new segment of the transportation industry that is not only focused on style and performance, but also external impact. So, while the electric engine may not be reforming the world due to an introduction of some brand new invention or the creation of a new marketplace, it is redefining how we as a society define progress. If nothing else is to come from the advancements with the electric engine, at the very least we can say that our society has moved forward with our awareness of our environmental impact. This is the new definition of progress, as defined by the electric engine.

Topic 7 - DIAGRAM OF ELECTRIC CAR

Diagram Of Electric CarDiagram Of Electric Car Engine

Working Of Electric Cars Electronic Circuits And Diagrams

Power Assembly Diagram Of Hybrid Electric Car The Hybrid Electric Wiring

Schematic Diagram Of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Powertrain

Alternative Fuels Data Center How Do Plug In Hybrid Electric Cars Work? Diagram Of Electric Car Engine Diagram Of Electric Car

Working Of Electric Cars Electronic Circuits And Diagrams

Ev Car Diagram Wiring Diagram Tutorial Diagram Of Electric Car

Electric Car Engine Diagram Wiring

Wireless Charging Of Electric Vehicles Power Electronics Diagram Of Electric Car

Electric Car Wiring Diagram

How To Become An Electric Car Mechanic Yourmechanic Advice Diagram Of Electric Car Motor

Diagram Of Electric CarDiagram Of Electric Car Engine

Topic 8 - Electric Car Workshop Safety

Hybrid and BEV (battery electric vehicles) commonly operate with battery voltages typically from 300v DC to 600v DC — anything beyond 60v DC is classed by H&S as ‘high-risk’ and can cause serious injury or even fatalities.

When we consider workshop safety concerns it is important to look at the whole picture and subdivide ‘hybrid and BEV safety’ into four separate categories:

Workshop safety
Vehicle safety
Personal safety
High voltage tools and test equipment
Workshop Safety is about making the working environment safe — for employees, but also for members of the public/customers who may be around vehicles in the workshop. It is important that there should be a designated area cordoned off and identified as a ‘Danger - High Voltage’ area, with appropriate barriers and signage. It is also important that high-voltage rescue and first-aid equipment be available in case of emergency.

Vehicle Safety is about making the vehicle safe for a technician to work on. PHEVs (Plug-in Electric Vehicles) and BEVs will normally have some form of ‘Isolator’ switch, commonly known as an MSD (manual service disconnect) switch, which should be removed before any work is carried out on the vehicle. This has the effect of isolating the high voltage battery from the rest of the vehicle. However, it is important that other technicians in the workshop are aware that this is a high voltage vehicle, and do not attempt to start, or move the vehicle. Thus appropriate identification, (for example, warning signage, locks, etc) should be used.

The MSD should also be stored in a secure location, to avoid the risk of someone accidently re-fitting it while a technician is working on the vehicle. Once the MSD has been removed, the high voltage will take some time to dissipate — use of an appropriate ‘Voltage Absence’ tester to verify lack of voltage is essential before commencing any work, along with appropriate insulating materials to protect the high voltage circuits.

Personal Safety is about providing protection for the technician working on the vehicle — appropriate insulated gloves and face shield should be worn to protect against high voltage leaks and arc flash risk. If working within the high voltage battery and/or circuitry, further specialist protection may be necessary as the technician will now be working within a live high voltage environment.

High Voltage Tools and Equipment — the electrical industry has specific standards for test equipment which is to be used in a high voltage environment. This is known as the CAT standard, a minimum of CAT III 600v, or CAT IV 1000v is required to ensure the test tools are suitable and safe for working on high voltage systems.

Hand tools are required to be fully tested and insulated to IEC 60900:2012 standards, and carry the international symbols for High Voltage Tools. Typical tools required will include socket sets, wrenches, screwdrivers, torque tools and hex and Torx keys — although most vehicle manufacturers will only use a limited selection of sizes of each.

Everything is about ensuring the safety of technicians, employees and customers. Even if correct vehicle manufacturer procedures are followed, there is still risk — remember the vehicle may be in the workshop because of a fault or an accident, therefore nothing can be assumed — safety is paramount.A wide variety of training programmes from different training providers are available — suitable for the type of work a business may be involved in — from car sales/valeting, vehicle recovery, basic servicing, to in-depth diagnostic work. It is important to select the correct type of training for the business, which may require more than one type of programme. A good training programme will cover not just the operational and component aspects of a high voltage vehicle, but also the safety aspects and advise appropriate tools and equipment.Laser Tools has approached the subject on the basis of offering a ‘one-stop-shop’ for workshop high voltage vehicle requirements, covering all aspects of workshop safety, vehicle safety, personal safety, and appropriate tools and equipment. In order to make it easier for the workshop owner to decide on basic requirements, Laser Tools has created a number of starter packs: