Key components of Electric Vehicles | Words of Engineer

Key components of Electric Vehicles -

When we change from traditional system to any new system ,it is necessary to learn about the key components of new system because new system is basically combination of all the key components and systems efficiency depends upon the effective functioning of key components.

Note - Components mentioned below are only required components for 'All electric vehicles' where electric motor is the only power source for vehicle propulsion. And for hybrid electric vehicles apart from below components traditional vehicle drivetrain components are there such as IC engine.

Key components of Electric Vehicles -

1. Battery Pack

2. Electric Motor

3. Power Election Control

      - Rectifier

      - DC/DC Converter

      - Inverter

To explain the general overview of above components below block layout is created which shows the rear wheel drive axle with all electric drive means vehicle propulsion is powered by battery ,no IC engine used.

(This layout is for illustration purpose only,actual electric vehicle drivetrain layout may vary.)

Explanation -

Electricity we get at home from electric power grid is in alternating current (AC) form but battery stores energy

in direct current form .So, to facilitate the conversion of AC to DC, rectifier is used.

Battery is used to store energy. There are various types of batteries are used in electric vehicle.Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles.

Maximum distance an electric vehicle can travel after fully charged is depends upon the battery size.That's why electric vehicle battery cost are higher. 

Inverter receives direct current from battery and converts to alternating current because electric motors runs on alternating current. 

Commonly used electric motors in electric vehicles are induction motors. In induction motor, alternating current is passed through the stator which rotates the rotor.Speed of rotor can be adjusted by varying frequency of alternating current passing through the stator.

DC/DC Converter are used to reduce the voltage to 12V for auxiliary battery which is used for starting, lighting and ignition (SLI).

Electric motor is coupled to differential which is used for torque slit and helps vehicle to propell on ground.

Above are the key components of electric vehicles and overview of their function.