How Does an Electric Car Work?

Electric vehicles are a spectacle of scientific achievement and technological innovation. Their ability to drive on the road without relying on petrol and produce no harmful emissions during operation is a dream come true for the environment. But there’s still one question that most electric car owners don’t even know the answer to: how do electric cars work?

Fully electric vehicles are made up of several key components that allow them to operate from energy supplied to them via a battery; however, this process is not as simple as it sounds.

Understanding Electric Vehicle Basics

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that runs—partially or fully—on electricity rather than conventional fuels. But how do electric cars work, exactly? In simple terms, they use an electric motor (sometimes more than one), store electricity in a rechargeable battery, and draw power from an external source like a wall outlet or EV charging station.  

If you’re wondering how an electric car works in everyday driving, the answer lies in its simplicity. Instead of relying on internal combustion, it delivers smooth, quiet acceleration by converting stored electrical energy into mechanical motion.

There are four main types of EVs, each with a slightly different approach to how they work: 

• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by electricity stored in a battery pack.

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) combine an electric motor, battery, and a gasoline engine.

• Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) also combine an electric motor and battery with a gasoline engine, but the battery is charged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking instead of an external power source.

• Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) generate electricity on demand using hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric motor.

Key Components of an EV

To understand how electric cars work, it’s helpful to know the major components under the hood, though there’s no engine in the traditional sense. The main parts of an EV are the battery, electric motor, inverter, and controller. Each plays a vital role in how an electric car engine works, even though it doesn’t resemble a petrol-powered engine.

• Battery: The battery is where energy is stored while charging. It powers all the electrical components, including the motor and determines the car’s driving range.
• Inverters: Inverters convert the battery’s direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), which most EV motors use. Without this component, the electric motor wouldn’t function as intended.
• Electric Motor: Receives power from the inverter to move the vehicle. Unlike traditional engines, electric motors deliver instant torque and smoother acceleration. 
• Controller: The controller manages the flow of electricity from the battery to the motor. It controls the vehicle's speed, acceleration, and torque while also managing energy regeneration.

The Role of the Battery in EVs

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Most EVs use lithium-ion batteries. This is because lithium-ion batteries have one of the highest energy densities of any battery available today. They produce larger currents than other battery types, are lighter, have a long lifespan, and require less maintenance. The charging capabilities of a lithium-ion battery are also preferable as they can be charged relatively quickly compared to other batteries.

Battery Capacity and Range

The size of the battery, or battery capacity (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh), affects the range an EV can travel on a single charge. Larger batteries store more energy and can deliver power at a higher rate, affecting performance. However, the weight of a larger battery can also negatively impact acceleration.

Electric Motors and Vehicle Propulsion

An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetism. When electricity flows through wire windings inside the motor, which are positioned within a magnetic field, the moving electric charges experience what’s known as the Lorentz force. This force acts on the individual electrons travelling through the conductor and causes a physical push on the wire.

These Lorentz forces on all the moving charges create a Laplace force, which is applied to the motor's wire segments. The Laplace force is directed in such a way that it creates torque on the motor's shaft and causes the rotor to spin. This rotational motion produces mechanical work, allowing electric motors to drive and is the fundamental principle behind how electric motors work.

AC vs. DC Motors

EVs mainly use AC induction or permanent magnet synchronous motors; however, DC motors (brushed and brushless) also exist.

AC motors operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction. DC motors need a mechanism to alternate the current in the motor, which requires more maintenance. 

DC motors require electrical connectivity between the stator and the rotor, typically done with a carbon electrode called a brush that maintains contact with a rotating part of the rotor. This contact creates friction and wear over time, leading to the brushes needing to be replaced and any resulting carbon dust cleaned out.

AC motors have several advantages:

• Quieter
• Less prone to causing electrical interference
• Requires less maintenance
• Improved performance and energy efficiency (due to better power factor than DC motors)
• Can deliver full torque continuously at zero speed (DC motors will overheat)

Instant Torque and Performance

Unlike internal combustion engines (ICE), where torque builds up gradually as the engine revs, electric motors provide maximum torque as soon as the accelerator is pressed. EVs also typically have a single-speed transmission, eliminating the need for gear changes.

The combination of instant torque and the absence of gear changes allows EVs to accelerate very quickly, often even surpassing many ICE vehicles in this regard.

Power Electronics and Control Systems

In an EV, the battery stores energy and converts it into usable power for the motor and other vehicle components. The inverter converts DC energy into usable AC energy, and the motor converts this energy into mechanical energy to power the wheels. 

The electric powertrain can manage power flow and even recapture energy during deceleration and braking through a process called regeneration.

Charging Electric Vehicles

Home Charging Solutions

Home EV chargers come in two charging setups: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 charging uses a standard 240V outlet and delivers 3.7kW, with a full charge taking around 16 hours. 

Level 2 charging, available publicly or at home, ranges from 7kW to 22kW. While 7kW chargers are common, 22kW units require a costly three-phase power installation, which most homes don’t have.

Public Charging Infrastructure

Public EV charging stations in Australia include Level 2 and DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers are common in public locations like carparks, and the availability of DC fast chargers at petrol stations and rest stops is consistently increasing.‍

Charging Times and Costs

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Many public carparks offer free Level 2 charging. Paid charging is typically available at rapid DC points, with costs ranging from $0.40 to $0.70/kWh. Home charging, with costs as low as $0.20/kWh, is the cheapest option.

Advantages of Electric Vehicles

Environmental Impact

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions during operation and are overall better for the environment. The only carbon emissions come from the manufacturing process. This means an EV can potentially become net-zero or even net-negative over its lifespan.

Lower Operating Costs

With an EV, you save on fuel, maintenance, and may even be eligible for stamp duty exemptions and other government incentives. 

Australia’s federal and local governments have certain rebates available for EV drivers to help cut costs and encourage EV adoption. It’s best to check your local government’s website to see what incentives you qualify for.

Enhanced Driving Experience

EVs operate silently and accelerate smoothly due to instant torque and the lack of gear changes. They are often packed with advanced modern features and luxurious interiors to make the ride even more enjoyable.

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