The technology behind a standard electric vehicle has come a long way from the past. Today, you can drive a modern vehicle that is either partially or completely electric powered at farther distances. An electric vehicle is also cheaper to maintain than the average combustible engine which is why it is considered a great investment in the long run.
Since people are becoming more environmentally conscious, electric vehicles are gradually becoming the ultimate choice of private transportation. Electric vehicles run using powerful batteries either made with nickel-metal hydride, acid, or lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used today since they are more long-lasting and energy-efficient than the two former examples. They are low maintenance and have an average discharge rate of only 5% each month. However, with the perpetual development of electric vehicle technology, big companies are always looking for ways to improve the current innovations we have today.
Defining Battery-Operated Electric Vehicles
More and more charging stations are being established with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. An electric vehicle would require different frequencies of charging depending on the distance and type of terrain it will travel.
While charging an electric vehicle overnight is capable of providing average performance during normal road use, uphill paths may require more frequent charges in between. Typically, a modern electric vehicle can charge anywhere from half an hour to half a day depending on the charging speed.
Defining Hybrid Electric Vehicles
A standard hybrid vehicle can run on both electricity and petrol. Many people prefer hybrid vehicles because distance and range are not common issues, especially for long drives. If you want to drive long distances but cannot find a charging station, hybrid cars can simply switch to using petrol.
However, because hybrid electric vehicles have this function, they also have the same disadvantages as a normal combustion engine. They are more high maintenance and have smaller batteries which means they can only cover a short distance when running on electricity.
Example Parts of An Electric Vehicle
Traction Battery- This stores power when plugged into the source and provides the necessary current for the electric motors to run. Like aforementioned, most modern electric vehicles are made with lithium-ion batteries for optimum performance.
Auxiliary Battery- This battery connects to most of the accessories that you would utilize in a car such as the radio and lights. Just like a combustion engine, electric vehicles carry a 12-volt auxiliary battery to maintain power.
Charge Port- This is what connects the vehicle to an external power source for charging. It’s usually behind a small door similar to where you would find the gasoline door in a normal vehicle.
Power Electronics Controller- This manages the flow of energy from the traction battery correlating to the required speed, torque, and functions of the traction motor.
Traction Motor- A motor that you would find in an electric vehicle would use the stored power within the car’s battery pack. In some models, motor generators can even both perform regeneration and drive functions.
