[Technology] How electric Vehicles works

Summary

Electric vehicles (EVs) operate using an induction motor, batteries, and an inverter, with the motor converting electrical energy into mechanical energy and recharging the batteries during braking.

Abstract

Electric vehicles are powered by three key components: the induction motor, batteries, and an inverter. The induction motor, invented by Nikola Tesla in 1888, uses electricity from the batteries to create torque, turning the wheels. The batteries supply direct current (DC) power, which the inverter converts into alternating current (AC) for the motor. This conversion process is essential for transforming electrical energy into the mechanical energy needed to drive the vehicle. Interestingly, during braking, the motor reverses its function, converting mechanical energy back into electricity to recharge the batteries, although this regenerative process is not sufficient to fully charge the vehicle. The inverter is also pivotal, as it not only converts current but also controls the motor's rotation speed by adjusting the AC frequency, effectively acting as the car's brain.

Opinions

The adoption of electric vehicles has been influenced by historical advancements in battery technology and cost.
The performance and price of batteries in the past compared to now are key factors in the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles.
The regenerative braking system, while innovative, is acknowledged to be insufficient for fully charging the vehicle's batteries on its own.
The inverter is considered more than just a power converter; it is likened to the brain of the electric vehicle due to its role in controlling the motor's operation.

The secret behind EV’s

Credit to Michael Marais on unsplash

All electric cars work with three main components:

Induction motor invented by Nikola Tesla in 1888.

Batteries

Inverter

You will tell me if the Induction motor was invented in 1888 why are we just getting into Electric cars? I’ll tell you to just look into the performance and the price of the batteries now and then and you’ll know. Let’s now get to our question of how the electric car works.

The Batteries will provide power by stocking and delivering DC current. On the other hand, the Inverter will convert this power into AC current. Then the Induction motor will use this power to create torque that will keep the wheels running. That’s how electric energy is converted into mechanical energy.

But here it gets really interesting. When you accelerate, the induction motor uses the electricity provided by the batteries to turn the wheels (mechanical energy). But when you brake, this mechanical energy is converted into electricity and stored back to the batteries. Yeah, the induction motor can work both ways. I know what comes to your mind. You wonder if the batteries can charge itself when braking, why are we charging our Electric Vehicle? The power we get from the brakes will never be enough to charge all batteries.

The Inverter on the other hand is not just a converter from DC into AC current. It’s much more of that. We can consider it as the brain of the car. It can also change the speed at which the motor rotates by adjusting the frequency of the alternating current.

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