How do electric cars work?

Most of us would have come across the concept of electric cars. How are they different from gasoline vehicles and how do they work?

An electric car is the same as a gasoline car, except that it runs on a battery, instead of gasoline. The battery power is supplied to the electric motor which is needed to run the vehicle. The electric motor used in an electric car can be of three types: AC induction, permanent magnet motor and DC brushless. Each of these types of motors has a particular attribute.

If you want a motor that offers top speed but low acceleration, DC Brushless is the right choice. On the other hand, a motor with the highest acceleration but average top speed is the AC induction motor. The Permanent Engine is one that has characteristics of both engines.

The motor of an electric car is powered by a battery pack or group of batteries that provide the necessary power supply. This power supply is regulated by a controller device that manages the power supply from the battery to the motor, so that the motor runs efficiently and does not burn out. This is a simple image of how an electric car works. If you look at the complex image, what you can see is an electrical system that is made up of many components, such as fuses, cables, and relay systems. The battery’s electrical wiring directs current to various components, and a fuse system serves as a protection mechanism for incoming electrical loads. The various components that make up the automotive electrical system include the battery, relay, fuse, electronic controller, cable, electrical connectors, fuse link, and switch.

There are various types of batteries available for use in electric cars. Battery choice should be based on lifespan, quality and power source. These include lead acid, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium ions. Of the three types, the most popular is lead acid. This is the lowest powered type of battery and is also 97% recyclable. One of the smallest in size is the lithium ion battery as it offers the best performance and range. It is important to replace car batteries every three to four years.

It is necessary to check the battery periodically so that it is always kept in the right conditions. This also applies to other electrical components as otherwise their condition may deteriorate. The battery terminals must be cleaned as they can develop corrosion.